Azerbaijan's minifootball captain: 'We trained harder than anyone — and it paid off'

Azerbaijan captain Elvin Alizada says his team’s relentless training was the driving force behind their Minifootball World Cup triumph in Baku.

"We worked hard," Alizada said, speaking to Report after lifting the trophy on home soil.

"The training sessions were brutal, but this win is the reward for all that effort."

Azerbaijan got off to a shaky start in the tournament, with Alizada pointing to the playing surface as a factor.

"The pitch was an issue early on — not just for us, but for everyone," he noted. "But we adapted quickly."

The skipper also praised the home support, calling it a major boost: "We're grateful for the incredible backing. It means a lot to earn the fans' respect."

Azerbaijan, coached by Elshad Guliyev, defeated Hungary 4–2 in the final on June 1 at the National Gymnastics Arena.