The well-known footballer of the Turkmenistan national football team Arslanmyrat Amanov playing in the championship of Uzbekistan for the FC AGMK gave an exclusive interview to the official FIFA website.
Turkmenistan are enjoying arguably their best 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. Pitted against Korea Republic, Korea DPR, Lebanon and Sri Lanka in Group H in the second round of the Asian preliminaries. Recall that the Turkmenistan national football team finished 2019 in first place in Group H of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification and has good chances to qualify for the next round.
"We are glad to see that we are in first place," Turkmenistan captain Arslanmyrat Amanov told FIFA.com. "It was not easy to reach the top, but we deserve it. We have worked very hard en route to earning the victories.
"Of course, we understand that there is little room for complacency. There are three games remaining and we can’t take anything for granted. We must do our best to please our fans and make our country proud."
"Looking back on the recent years, I can say that we have made consistent improvements," said the 30-year-old midfielder, who is the country's most-capped player, having played 44 internationals over 11 years. “It goes without a saying that new progress will be made after this campaign."
Arslanmyrat Amanov also attributes the victory over Korea DPR to the fans.
"It was a match which every one of us enjoyed,” he said. “The game plan was well implemented on the pitch, and we showed good teamwork as well as delivering brilliant individual performances.
“But I think the main reason for the victory was our fans. Their passion and support was strongly felt by us.”
Korea Republic and Lebanon are the next sizable hurdles facing Turkmenistan.
“We played well against both teams in our first meetings, particularly against Lebanon. Lady Luck was not on our side, but we can seize the chances in the next games."
To make sure that they will enter the forthcoming qualifiers in fine form, the team are wasting no time in preparing themselves.
"We are working on an individual programme given by the fitness coach to maintain our physical shape,” Amanov said. "In addition, we have tactical training through video conferences.
"Making the breakthrough in World Cup qualifying means a lot for us. Firstly, we will get closer to World Cup qualification. We will move higher in the FIFA World Ranking. We will have the chance of rubbing shoulders with Asia's best teams and this will provide a massive boost for us in the future."
