AFFA Technical Director Jahangir Hasanzada expects eager football from the Azerbaijani national team, which will face the French team in Baku tomorrow in the qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup.
Idman.Biz reports that the official of the organization said this in a statement to Report.
The former goalkeeper emphasized that the players should show their abilities to the maximum: "A very difficult and responsible game awaits us against the French national team. Because we will face one of the giant teams of Europe. Our football players must put all their strength on the field and be psychologically prepared. Perhaps this match will not be of principle importance for the French national team, as they have already secured their place in the group. In any case, our national team must show its maximum ability."
He said that there are quality football players in the French national team: "Even though Kilian Mbappe is injured, there are quality football players who can replace him. The Azerbaijani national team will also not be able to prepare for the game with a full squad due to losses. However, considering that we are playing at home, we want to see eager football with the support of the fans. It will be difficult because there is a difference in the level between the teams. This is undeniable, but football is such a game that it is very difficult to guarantee the result in advance."
J. Hasanzada also touched upon the match against the Icelandic national team (0:2) on November 13: "The team started the game against the Icelandic team very well, was active and did not shy away from the opponent. It is also important to play correctly against France. We will play our last match at home, in front of our fans. For this reason, we want to see a more confident team."
It should be noted that the Azerbaijan-France match will start on November 16 at 21:00 at the Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium.