Report.az
Khayal Zeynalov, the goalkeeping coordinator of the "Sabah" Football Academy, assessed the participation of the club's U-10 team in the "East Cup Kazan" international tournament held in Russia.
In an interview with "Report", the expert emphasized that such international competitions play an indispensable role for children.
He noted the importance of football players gaining experience:
"It is difficult to talk about any serious level difference at this age. The main thing is for children to gain international game experience and adapt to such an environment. Such tournaments play an indispensable role for children. Because they communicate with their peers from other countries and their worldview is formed. Also, victories form a winning psychology in children. In other words, such tournaments give children a lot not only on the green fields, but also outside of them."
The club official said that they have won three of the four matches they have played so far:
"The tournament started on May 14. The group stage is already over. Our team was in the same group with representatives of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Russia. We won 3 of the 4 games we played, and lost only to the Russian team "Neftekhimik" in a match that was held in equal conditions. Despite this, we finished the group stage in the first place. According to the tournament regulations, the group winners qualify for the decisive game. Tomorrow we will play in the final against "Rubin", the leader of the other group."
X.Zeynalov said that other tournaments are also planned in the near future:
"Sabah" Football Academy regularly participates in international tournaments. A few weeks ago, our U-13 and U-15 teams participated in an international tournament held in Antalya. Participation in other competitions is planned in the near future."
It should be noted that "Sabah" won against Tajikistan's "Babilon" (2:1), Kyrgyzstan's "Abdysh-Ata" (9:1) and Kazakhstan's "Elimay" (6:0) in the group, and lost to the Russian representative "Neftekhimik" - 1:2.
The team led by Maharram Muslimzade, which finished the group stage in the first place, will face the Russian team "Rubin" in the final tomorrow.
