Aghaseyid Gasimov, goalkeeper of Azerbaijan’s national minifootball team and newly crowned world champion, sat down with Teleqraf to share his thoughts following the team's historic victory.
– On June 2, you were received by President Ilham Aliyev in honor of your world championship win. What was that experience like for you?
– It was one of the proudest and most unforgettable days of my life. Meeting the President as a world champion was not just a personal achievement — it symbolized a victory for all Azerbaijani youth. The President’s sincerity and the value he places on sports and young people gave us even more motivation. That meeting reminded me that raising our tricolor flag isn’t just something we do on the field — it’s something we carry in our hearts. It made me realize once again that Azerbaijan is a victorious nation, and its children deserve to stand at the top.
– During the ceremony, the President congratulated team members individually. What did he say to you?
– President Ilham Aliyev said, “You’re a goalkeeper — one who scores goals!” I replied, “Yes, sir.” He was referring to the goal I scored against Montenegro in the semifinals. He mentioned that he had watched our last four matches. He was incredibly warm and genuine with us, and we are deeply grateful for that.
– Looking back at the tournament overall, which match was the toughest?
– The entire championship was intense and competitive. Every opponent challenged us, but our match against Romania — the defending world champions — stood out. Winning that game in a penalty shootout was especially meaningful, and I’m proud we showed our strength when it mattered most.
– You also took part in the 2023 World Cup in the UAE. How did this tournament differ from that one?
– The World Cup in Baku was organized at an exceptionally high level. The participating teams came well-prepared, which made the competition even more exciting. It was a world-class event in every sense.
– You shared the goalkeeper role with Vali Gafarov. Was it difficult for the head coach Elshad Guliyev to manage this rotation?
– Vali is a great goalkeeper. The coaching staff always announced who would start before each match, and we both did our best whenever called upon. We focused on teamwork and giving our all.
– Tell us a bit about your professional football background.
– As a child, I played for Inter Baku (now Shamakhi). At 14, I transferred to Qarabag and was even registered on their senior roster. I also played for Azerbaijan’s U17 and U-19 national teams. Unfortunately, I had to step back from full-field football due to my height. I joined the national minifootball team after the 2022 European Championship. I've also won the AFFA Regional League with teams like Gusar and Shimal.
– What are your plans for the future?
– I don't know what tomorrow holds, but for now, I’m fully committed to minifootball. I’ll keep giving my all for the national team and for my club, Zira.
– Can you share how much you were rewarded for the world title — or is that confidential?
– I want to sincerely thank the leadership of the Azerbaijan Minifootball Federation for their constant support. We haven’t received the rewards yet, so I can’t say anything specific for now.
Idman.biz
