"This is just a friendly game and the opponent is one that suits us. The physical condition of the football players invited to our national team is not entirely satisfactory." These words were said by Shahin Diniyev in his statement to Sport24.az.
The experienced expert assessed the chances of the Azerbaijani national team in the "FIFA Series - 2026" international tournament:
"Many players do not play 90 minutes in their teams, and some do not play at all. There are many who do not have game practice, which may cause us problems. Our opponents are very weak. It is not right for Nariman Akhundzade and Mahir Emreli to join the team in the match against them. In the sense that both football players should stay in their clubs and strengthen. This is a smart move. We have to give the players a chance. It's not the qualifying matches of the World and European Championships... It's a friendly game, as I said, the opponents are very weak. There will be no need for Mahir and Nariman".
It should be noted that the Azerbaijani national team will face Saint Lucia on March 27 and Sierra Leone on March 30. Both games will be held at the Mehdi Huseynzade Sumgayit City Stadium and will start at 19:00.