President expresses confidence in players, urges them to play with courage (photo)

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with the Uzbekistan national football team. The head of state warmly congratulated the players, coaching staff, and the entire football community on their historic achievement ahead of the World Cup to be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

As the President noted, the people of Uzbekistan have been waiting for these days for 34 years. The national team's first-ever qualification for the World Cup is not just a sporting victory, but a historic event for the entire country. In this sense, these players can be called the heroes of our time who have opened a new chapter in the history of Uzbek football.

The head of state specifically emphasized that the players took the field in every match with high responsibility, strong preparation, and a spirit of patriotism. Their passion for victory, willpower, and fighting spirit brought immense joy to our people. The President said that he felt endless excitement and pride on the day the World Cup ticket was secured.

"To be honest, I couldn't sleep the night we secured the World Cup spot. Like all our compatriots, I rejoiced from the bottom of my heart and celebrated," the head of state said.

The President expressed gratitude to the players, their parents who raised them, their mentors, and coaches. Because this achievement is not just the result of 11 players on the field, but the fruit of years of hard work, patience, upbringing, and trust.

It was noted that representatives of culture, literature, and art also attended the meeting. The head of state emphasized that poets, writers, and artists are inspired by the courage of the players and are creating new poems, works, songs, and anthems. This shows that the success of our national team is providing spirit and inspiration to the entire society beyond just sports.

It was also mentioned that entrepreneurs are gaining opportunities to promote national brands to the world, enter new markets, and promote the name of Uzbekistan on the international stage through the success of the players. Thus, the national team's qualification for the World Cup is having a positive impact not only on sports but also on the economy, culture, and the morale of the youth.

The President also highlighted that the players have become true role models for the youth. Today, the number of children in our country saying "I will also become a famous football player" is increasing. This shows how great the educational, spiritual, and social impact of football is.

In recent years, great work has been done to develop sports, especially football infrastructure. More than 200 large sports facilities and nearly 4,000 private sports clubs have started operating locally. Sports grounds have been built in more than 1,500 neighborhoods. A modern Olympic village was built in Tashkent, and the "National Football Center" began operations in Yukori Chirchik. Professional football academies and football schools were established in every region.

As a result of these efforts, the number of amateur players reached 5 million. The number of those regularly playing football exceeded 1.3 million, and the number of professional players reached 17,000. Most importantly, it was emphasized that the fight against evils such as corruption and nepotism in football has been strengthened, and an open and transparent system has been created. It is this environment that is bringing true talents to the big stage.

The head of state evaluated football not only as a professional sport but as a school of youth upbringing, healthy lifestyle, discipline, and patriotism. For this purpose, the launch of the "Every Neighborhood — A Football Field" program was announced. This initiative is expected to become a nationwide movement.

Within the framework of the program, the "Neighborhood League" will be organized. Neighborhood football teams will be formed among boys and girls aged 12-17. Competitions consisting of "neighborhood — district — region — republic" stages will be held annually. This project will serve as a ready-made base for selecting talented players for professional clubs in the future.

It was also noted at the meeting that the national team is working with a coaching staff led by the famous specialist Fabio Cannavaro. Cannavaro, who became a champion as the captain of the Italian national team at the 2006 World Cup, is one of the few defenders to have won the "Ballon d'Or" award in his career. The President congratulated him on his first participation in the World Cup as a coach and wished the coaching staff new victories.

"Taking this opportunity, I congratulate Fabio Cannavaro on his first participation in the World Cup as a coach, and I wish the coaching staff new victories", said our head of state.

It was also acknowledged that Cannavaro has involved specialists with international experience in physical preparation, working with strikers, medical services, nutrition, and dietetics for the team. This will take the national team's preparation to a more professional level ahead of a huge competition like the World Cup.

Addressing the players, the President emphasized that there will be no easy games at the World Cup. Uzbekistan will face national teams such as Portugal, Colombia, and Congo. Naturally, the people expect a victory in every match. But the head of state said that the players have already made history, and now they should enter the field without excessive pressure and without fearing anyone.

"Now I want to say to the players: there is no such thing as an easy game at the World Cup. You will play against Portugal, Colombia, and Congo. It is natural that our people expect a victory from you in every match, of course.

But always remember one thing: you have already made history!

In the important matches ahead, play without excessive pressure, without fearing anyone, and give your all. Fight to the end for every ball, every situation, and every inch of the field!" — said the President.

The head of state emphasized that our national team will be supported at the stadiums by fan clubs, thousands of fans, and our compatriots in America during the World Cup. At the same time, our nearly 40 million people will watch every match from behind the screens with great excitement. This is a huge responsibility for the players, but at the same time, it is a source of incomparable strength.

In short, the President's meeting with the national team was a great moral boost for the players. Uzbekistan is heading to the World Cup for the first time, and this time they will take the field not just to participate, but to worthily defend the honor of the Motherland. The people believe, the President believes, now it is the players' turn: to give their all, play with courage, and make the name of Uzbekistan resound loudly on the world stage.