Azerbaijan's youth national team are determined to compete for victories rather than simply participate in the upcoming FIFA U-15 World Championship and Festival, which will take place in Baku from October 22 to 31.
As reported by İdman.Biz, Azerbaijan U-16 head coach Famil Khalilov outlined his team's ambitions, preparations and expectations for the historic tournament in an interview with AZERTAC.
"Our goal is not simply to participate but to fight for victory in every match until the very last second. We respect all our opponents, but we also believe in our own strength and potential. We will give everything we have on the pitch," Khalilov said.
Final Squad to Be Announced Shortly Before the Tournament
The coach confirmed that 21 players are currently under consideration, although tournament regulations allow only 14 to be included in the final squad.
According to Khalilov, the coaching staff will make their final decision shortly before the competition, taking into account the players' performances during the remaining training sessions.
"All the boys are working extremely hard, and every one of them deserves a place in the squad. Making the final selection will be difficult, but we must choose the 14 players who are best prepared," he explained.
Khalilov also expressed satisfaction with the team's overall condition, emphasizing that preparations are progressing according to plan.
"Our preparations are going exactly as planned. The players are in excellent physical and psychological condition. Naturally, there is some excitement ahead of such a major tournament, but their enthusiasm and motivation are very high. I can confidently say that we are fully prepared," the coach stated.
Limited Information About Opponents
Azerbaijan have been drawn into Group AF alongside Andorra, Australia, Haiti, Israel and Timor-Leste.
Khalilov acknowledged that the tournament's new format has made scouting opponents particularly challenging.
"Because this is a new format, gathering detailed information about our opponents has been somewhat difficult. Nevertheless, we are analyzing all the available footage and information as thoroughly as possible and preparing seriously for every match," he said.
The coach stressed that Azerbaijan's main priority will be developing their own playing style rather than focusing excessively on their opponents.
An Important Step for Azerbaijani Football
Beyond the immediate results, Khalilov believes the tournament will provide invaluable international experience for the country's young footballers.
"This tournament represents a major learning opportunity for both our young players and Azerbaijani football as a whole. The boys will experience the real demands of international football. As coaches, we will also gain a clearer understanding of which areas require greater attention in their future development," he noted.
The inaugural FIFA U-15 World Championship and Festival will bring together 191 national teams, divided into 32 groups. One group will feature five teams, while the remaining 31 groups will consist of six teams each.
The competition will be played in an eight-a-side format, with matches consisting of two 20-minute halves.
The tournament, scheduled for October 22-31, will offer Azerbaijan's young players an opportunity to test themselves against international opposition on home soil.
