Vagif Sadıgov: After match with Czechs wheel of fortune may turn to both sides

Baku. 3 October. REPORT.AZ/ “Our national team has got ahead two matches with different importance. The match with Czechs is important in terms of result, match with Germany for footballers to demonstrate themselves.”

Vagif Sadigov, Chairman of the AFFA Referees Committee told Report speaking about matches to be played with national teams of Czech Republic and Germany in the qualifying stage of 2018 World Championship.

58-year old specialist said the match to be played between Azerbaijan and Czech Republic on October 5 at Baku Olympic Stadium is important for Azerbaijani football. He said if the team led by Robert Prosinečki wins, it will make a novelty: “In case our team becomes winner, it will take the third place which is new history in Azerbaijani football. I am sure that Robert Prosinečki and his squad are aware of the importance of match. I believe that our national team will succeed. Interesting and thrilled game awaits us. Our team needs only victory. Result other than that will allow our rivals to leave us behind. It is such a game that wheel of fortune may turn to both sides. We may make history by gaining victory and return to our fifth place by losing lose the game.”

Former head coach of Azerbaijan national team V. Sadigov says that an away match on October 8 against the national team of Germany is important for local football players. According to him, such matches are opportunity for Azerbaijani players to demonstrate themselves: “Surprise is common in football. The main thing is that we need to demonstrate the game which allows to look into the future optimistically. Each footballer should understand that will be in the spotlight. It is an opportunity to show themselves. Our players should take advantage of such games.”

V. Sadigov said the decision whether to cooperate with Robert Prosinečki whose contract expires on December, should be made after the matches with national teams of Czech Republic and Germany. The work of Croatian specialist should be assessed with cool head.

He also commented on appearing of Rashad Sadigov in the uniform of Azerbaijan national team for the last time. V. Sadigov said that suggestion to immortalize captain’s uniform bearing a number 14 was not made: “The contributions made by Rashad to Azerbaijani football is obvious. We did not offer anything yet regarding his farewell match. The attitude of our state and AFFA towards Sadigov is known. Decisions to end career is not made easily. Probably he thought a lot before deciding. After ending his professional career Rashad will continue his activity as a member of football team. He will not be left behind. What matters now is match with Czech Republic. 13 record points from victory and taking the third place will be gift for Rashad.”

V. Sadigov was the head coach of Azerbaijan national football team in different periods (1997-1998, 2002, 2005).