Courtesy: FIFA.com


Age no obstacle for Farzaliyev

15 Aug 2016

A FIFA World Cup is always something special, and participating at one for the first time is usually even more so. To achieve that goal when you are no longer as young as you once were, perhaps when you have stopped daring to dream it would be possible, makes it all the more remarkable. Such is the case of Rizvan Farzaliyev, who will captain Azerbaijan at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016.

He will celebrate his 37th birthday just a few days before departing for South America, yet he is looking forward to the adventure with childlike enthusiasm. "We've managed to grab a place among the best 24 teams in the world," he told FIFA.com.

The fact that only the most elite sides are at the tournament is something Farzaliyev and Co will discover in the group phase, with the draw pitting the ensemble from the Caspian Sea against Spain, Morocco and Iran. "They're the reigning champions of Europe, Africa and Asia," Farzaliyev said, underlining the strength of the opposition.

Dark horses Iran
Given such obstacles and considering that not only Farzaliyev but Azerbaijan as a nation are making their tournament debut in Colombia, their objective is clear: "If we can survive the group stage and qualify for the knockout rounds then it'd be a great success."

In order to achieve that, the Araz Naxcivan defender has already analysed the opposition and devised a plan: "We recently watched Spain in Serbia when they were crowned European champions. A draw against them would be a good result. Iran are in the top five in the world ranking, so that'll be really tough. It might even be harder for us against Iran than against Spain because we know them better. Obviously they're one of the title favourites, but Iran could pull off a surprise at this World Cup.

"We'll have to try to finish third in the group and qualify for the last 16 as one of the best third-placed finishers," Farzaliyev continued. "Therefore our focus should be on our first game against Morocco. They're also very strong, but we have a real chance of winning too. Those three points would be invaluable for our chances of going through."

Appeal to Azerbaijan fans
To do so, much of the responsibility rests on Farzaliyev's shoulders. He is the oldest member of a side that has been in transition in the wake of the Futsal European Championship last February. The team still needs to grow together and work on their weaknesses. They aim to do just that in their upcoming friendlies in order to be ready for the tournament in Colombia.

There, despite the distance from home, Azerbaijan's No8 is hoping to count on the team's greatest strength: their own supporters. "We're expecting a few fans from Azerbaijan to be there," Farzaliyev said. "They were there when we were in the play-offs in the Netherlands. In the return leg at home in Baku there was no room left. I really hope people can make it over and support us, even if it is a long way from home. If there's anyone who doesn't live too far from Colombia, then come and support us. Colombia 2016 will be a historic World Cup for Azerbaijan."

The soon-to-be 37-year-old is looking forward to his first World Cup. Asked a final question about which souvenir he would like take back to Baku from South America, Farzaliyev answers quickly and with a mischievous smile: "They might give us the World Cup trophy, you never know!" It is the same dream every sportsperson has, regardless of their age.


Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com