In the final 16 of the Asian Cup, Tajikistan “want more.”DOHA: Coach Petar Segrt stated that Tajikistan “want more” from their match against the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, despite the fact that they made history by making it to the Asian Cup last 16. The 106th-ranked team in the world advanced as group runners-up in Qatar after drawing with China and defeating Lebanon. They now take on a team that has advanced to the Asian Cup semifinals the previous two times.

Large-than-life character Segrt has made friends at the Asian Cup, going so far as to shake hands with each and every reporter present prior to Saturday’s press conference. However, he declared that his group is “not here for smiling and celebrating.”

“For Tajikistan, the group stage was an incredible success, but we now want more,” the Croat remarked. I am unable to approach the players and tell them, “We’re happy now, let’s go home.” We shall seek out our opportunities.

Tajikistan defeated Lebanon 2-1 in the 92nd minute thanks to a goal from Nuriddin Khamrokulov, securing their spot in the next round of matches. Wild celebrations broke out after the last whistle, shattering Segrt’s glasses in the fracas.

The 57-year-old claimed his players were “the heroes of this tournament” while speaking with reporters while sporting a new pair. Nevertheless, with multiple players hurt and midfielder Amadoni Kamolov still suspended following his red card against Qatar, the coach stated he needed to “find new solutions.” Segrt stated, “We will check how much gas and energy we have left for this match.” “We intend to put up a strong fight against the United Arab Emirates.” We have faith in ourselves.

No room for errors

UAE also advanced as runners-up from their first-round group, defeating Hong Kong, drawing with Palestine, and falling short against Iran. Paulo Bento’s team appeared destined for third place until Yahya Al-Ghassani defeated Iran with a game-winning goal in injury time.

It would be “a big mistake,” according to the Portuguese coach, to undervalue the newcomers Tajikistan. “Mistakes cannot be made because we do not have the same opportunity as we did during the group stage,” he stated. “We have players that will play with the right mindset and want to continue playing well and advance to the quarterfinals,” Bento, who received a red card against Palestine and was suspended for one game, will be back on the bench. While coaching South Korea in the 2022 World Cup, he was also dismissed, but he maintained that his actions had “no impact on the players.” “This doesn’t imply that the situation is ideal, but it does occur occasionally,” he stated. “We didn’t act in the most proper manner.”