Baku (TDI): Winning the world champion for the first time and that too on home ground; Azerbaijan’s mini-football team gave spectators an experience of a lifetime. Playing in National Gymnastics Arena, the team beat Hungary with a 4-2 in the Mini-football World Championship, held twice a year by the World Mini-football Federation (WMF).
From the Azerbaijani team, goals from Tamkin Kalilzade, Mahammad Khalilov, and a brace by Ravan Karimov, brought the team to brace a historic victory. Hopes were already high as the team reached the final by defeating Montenegro with after a 2-1 intense match.
In the quarter finals, Azerbaijan defeated England with a same 2-1 to make its way to semi finals. Head coach, Elshad Guliyev, led the team to the final victory, on Sunday.
Azerbaijan’s minifootball national team becomes world champion https://t.co/qUBU4Gpw9z
— Azerbaijan Emb. to Pakistan (@AzEmbPak) June 1, 2025
Talking to media after the win, the President of Azerbaijan’s Futsal Federation, Orkhan Mammadov, said, “This is a historic event. I thank every fan… Our players performed flawlessly, demonstrating a high level of skill… The victory achieved in front of our fans makes this success even more significant for us.”
“When we became European champions, the President personally received us, which showed the significance of this achievement… The World Cup is a competition where there are no weak opponents. Taking first place among 32 national teams is a huge reason for pride. Those who want to diminish our victory can be called enemies of our country,” he added.
“Our federation is young, we face many tasks. First of all, we strive to take futsal to a new level, develop infrastructure and increase youth interest in this sport. Of course, we will also try to ensure that FIFA officials see this activity,” the President sounded hopeful about continuing the streak of victories.
The tournament started on May 21, 2025 in Azerbaijan. First Vice President of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva, congratulated the national team on this glorious victory.
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