Zoir Dzhuraboev
Doha, Qatar: Tajikistan’s Zoir Dzhuraboev is eager for his side to build on their successful AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 Group A campaign when they take on the United Arab Emirates in the Round of 16 today.
In their first-ever appearance in the competition, Tajikistan picked up a point from a goalless draw against China PR, then sealed qualification to the knockout stages on the last matchday, beating Lebanon 2-1 to finish second in the group.
“As everybody knows, after our qualification to the knockout stage, it was a huge celebration for the country,” said Dzhuraboev.
“We would like these celebrations to continue, and we would like to gift this win to all our fans inside and outside the country.”
“There have been a lot of firsts for us here; after the Lebanon match, we have never experienced such a feeling. Those feelings were also shared with our supporters in Tajikistan.
“Right now, we know there are flights coming with more fans and we will try our best in front of our supporters to get a big result.”
Under their passionate head coach Petar Segrt, Tajikistan have been one of the inspiring stories of Qatar 2023, and Dzhuraboev revealed how his boss’ mix of fun and serious attitudes have reflected on the team’s image and approach to matches.
“Our coach is very positive and very kind, but I would like to note that he also knows when he needs to be friendly and when he needs to be hard and strict towards us too. That is his secret.
“Against Lebanon, we scored not two, but four goals, unfortunately two of them were ruled out. The passion we felt after the first goal gave us new power and we tried immediately to score another one. We attacked and did everything to score again and finally we did it.”
