Nargiz Aliyeva, the goalkeeper of the Azerbaijan women's national team, spoke to the AFFA press service. Sport24.az presents an interview with the "frame protector" who lives as a legionnaire in the Turkish club "Fatih Vatan."
- You will play your last match in the group stage of the League of Nations against Lithuania. What can be expected from this match?
- In the match with Lithuania, we only think about winning. As a team, we are simply focused on this. Our only thought is to score 3 points.
- Since it is a crucial meeting, the interest is great. Does this factor give the team extra motivation, or does it have a negative psychological impact?
- Yes, we will play our last game in the group. As in the previous matches, we are preparing for this match with high motivation. In my opinion, there is no negative psychological impact.
- Before the last games, Montenegro has a slight advantage. Looking at the previous matches in the group, which result disappointed you the most?
- The result that disappointed us was the away match with Montenegro. We were very close to winning, but we conceded a goal in the last minutes. This caused us to lose 2 points.
- Although you lost the victory at the last moment in that meeting, you won everyone's sympathy with consecutive saves. Where did this self-confidence come from?
- I think I was self-confident because I love my job and I am very eager. I want to benefit my team by performing like this in all games.
- In the match with Lithuania, in addition to scoring a lot of goals, it will also be important not to concede a goal. Do you consider yourself ready for this?
- Of course, it is important not to concede a goal. But this is football, sometimes you score, sometimes you concede. As for me, I feel completely ready.
- Usually, children who are new to football want to score goals. How did you choose the goalkeeper position?
- I chose to be a goalkeeper because it was difficult for me to run (laughs). But now I can say that standing in the goal is more difficult. Because the goalkeeper has a great responsibility.
- I guess you follow world football. Who is your childhood idol?
- Yes, I follow. Like many others, I also have an idol. This is the German goalkeeper of the Barcelona club, Mark-Andre ter Stegen.
- You are currently living as a legionnaire in Turkey. What is your biggest goal regarding your club career?
- I find it difficult to name a specific name. But my goal is to play in one of the best clubs.
- What is your biggest wish regarding the national team?
- Like every Azerbaijani, my dream is to wear the national uniform with dignity, protect the honor of this team for many years and leave a good mark.