Agil Nabiyev, head coach of Azerbaijan Under-16 team, and a player Ali Bashirov expressed their thoughts after the final match (2-3) against Russia within the III CIS Games in Gabala.
Agil Nabiyev said that the team fought well against a strong opponent: “We analyzed the opponent's first two games within this tournament. Today, everything we wanted tactically was successful in the first half. After the break, we scored two goals in a row. However, the problem with the physical condition of our players showed its effect at the end of the match. We are not able to give them enough physical load in the national team. Because we don't have time for that. Today, the team also went downhill from the middle of the second half. The Russian team is a team made up of quality players. Of course, it's disappointing to lose after leading 2-0. Nevertheless, I'm proud of my team. We were the more aggressive and willing side for most of the match. I believe that we will do even greater things with this team in the future.”
Ali Bashirov expressed his disappointment over the defeat: “We knew that the Russian team was a quality opponent. But today we performed better, we played a great game. It is disappointing to concede 3 goals after leading 2-0. Nevertheless, we are proud of our team.”
