Uzbekistan U-17 head coach Islombek Ismailov answered journalists' questions after the match against Ireland in Group 2 of the World Cup "J."
- We knew beforehand that the opponent would attack from the wings and play mainly through the number 11. We were preparing for this. However, we lost attention in two situations, and the opponent took advantage of their opportunity. We also had chances, but we couldn't convert them into goals. Despite this, the players tried their best. Let's watch and analyze the game.
- What do you say about our game on the second floor?
- Of course, it's clear that the opponent's players are much taller. Therefore, it was very difficult on the second floor. There is a huge difference in height between our wing-backs and the opponent's players. This is impossible. Because it's very difficult for a footballer with a height of 168 centimeters to win a height of 190 centimeters.
- What do you say about the arbitration?
- What can we say? In such tournaments, young players should be considered, and tournaments like the World Cup should be respected.
- "After scoring a goal, our national team seemed to drop the game a bit.
- We worked on this after the last game. As we mentioned after the first half, there's a psychological issue. In many cases, the players are young. After scoring a goal, they are trying to keep the score. We never give such instructions. On the contrary, after scoring a goal, we say that we need to move forward. In many cases, the psychological state of the players does not allow this. We have time and opportunities ahead, and we will work on this.
- During the game, especially in the first half, didn't it seem like the attack shifted in one direction, more precisely, towards Sayfiddin Sodiqov?
- We will try to maintain balance throughout the entire game. However, Sadriddin Khasanov has not yet shown his full potential. As you can see, when he receives the ball, the opponent's three defenders, if necessary, try to block it. That's why there's a problem with attacking from the left wing.
- What do you say about our very weak play in the center, especially in the first half?
- "Our players, who played in midfield, made very serious mistakes. Especially technical errors were observed.
- Has Azizbek Erimbetov recovered from injury or not?
- "Yes, he was wounded." However, we currently don't have a player to replace him. In the last game, we gave one player a chance, but he also struggled to get into the game. Therefore, we will try to make the most of the players we have.
- Could you tell us about the number 11 player in the Irish national team? The individually strong player created a lot of problems for our defense.
- His build, his handling of the ball, his reading of the game - in general, he can be called an ideal player in every way. Every coach wants such strong players in their team. Our guys are no less than him and will show their abilities during the competition.
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