President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with the players and coaching staff of the Uzbekistan national football team.
The head of state emphasized that the national team's qualification for the World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is a historic event for the Uzbek people.
Football fans in Uzbekistan had waited 34 years for this day. In every match, the national team members took the field with high responsibility, a sense of patriotism, faith in victory, and opened a new page in the history of football in the country.
The president expressed gratitude to the footballers, their parents, mentors, and coaches. 'Our footballers can rightfully be called heroes of our time, who have opened a new page in the history of Uzbekistan. They have brought great joy to our people,' the head of state said.
The meeting noted that the success of the national team has caused a great upsurge not only in sports but also in the life of the entire society. Today, footballers have become a real example for young people, interest in sports has increased even more, and figures of literature and art, entrepreneurs, and the general public are inspired by this historic result.
The head of state stressed that creating an open and transparent system in football, eradicating such negative phenomena as corruption and nepotism, has opened the doors to big sports for talented youth.
The meeting also highlighted the activities of the coaching staff led by head coach Fabio Cannavaro. The president noted Cannavaro as a specialist with vast experience in world football. In 2006, as captain of the Italian national team, he became world champion, was named the best footballer in the world, and received the Ballon d'Or.
It was noted that the coaching staff is introducing new requirements for players' physical fitness, discipline, tactical approach, and responsible attitude to every detail. The role of modern football elements such as correct positioning, high pressing, ball control, and fast counterattacks is increasing in the team's game.
The president congratulated Fabio Cannavaro on his first participation in the World Cup as a coach and wished success to the coaching staff.
The head of state emphasized that there will be no easy matches at the World Cup; the national team will face Portugal, Colombia, and Congo. At the same time, it was noted that our footballers have already made history, and now it is important for them to defend the honor of the Motherland in important matches without undue pressure and with full dedication.
Source: kun.uz