Abduraimov: "I liked the game, the most important thing for us is the result"

As you know, the final qualifying matches for the "World Cup 2026" are being held on FIFA days.

Our national team defeated Kyrgyzstan 1:0 on March 20. A central clash against Iran awaits on March 25 in Tehran. Our national team is getting closer to the World Cup alongside Iran. If our representatives manage to secure three points in Tehran, Uzbekistan will qualify for the World Cup ahead of schedule. Therefore, we will witness a very important game on the evening of March 25, and we certainly wish our representatives good luck.

One of the renowned football experts, Jasur Abduraimov, answered several questions regarding the match against Kyrgyzstan and the upcoming meeting with Iran.

- Jasur, our national team secured the expected 3 points against Kyrgyzstan, but we couldn't capitalize on many opportunities. What are your thoughts on this match?
- First of all, we secured three points. This is a very good result. We have gotten closer to qualifying for the World Cup. The game was such that the opponent played on the counterattack. We had many goal-scoring opportunities.

- Do you think the opponent player's red card was beneficial or detrimental to us?
- Of course, it has an impact. The red card for the opponent player was also good for us. The difficulty for our national team was that they defended as a whole team. Nevertheless, our players created many very good goal-scoring situations. I liked the game.

- In the next round, Masharipov will not be able to help our team in the match against Iran. Is this a significant loss for us?
- I think Masharipov is a big loss. Because he is one of our key players. We will see who will play in his place?

- Who did you like the most in our national team?
- As I said, I liked the team's performance. In the midfield, players like Otabek Shukurov, Odil Hamrobekov, Jaloliddin Masharipov, Abbos Fayzullayev, and Eldor Shomurodov also performed excellently. They are leaders and need to show themselves. Hojiakbar Alijonov scored an important goal. He trained under me when he was young. I was happy that he scored.

- Overall, what do you expect from the game in Tehran?
- The game will be competitive. It needs to be attacking and balanced: both in defense and in the forward line. If the team plays well, the result will follow.

- After Srechko Katanets, Timur Kapadze is continuing the work. Do you feel any changes in the team's performance? What is the difference between Katanets and Kapadze?
- Right now, the difference is not visible. The task is the same for both Katanets and Kapadze. At this moment, showing results is important. Especially since this is the national team, the result is the most important thing. If the game is great, the result will come.