Asian Cup game 'most important in our history' says Tajikistan coach / Photo: KARIM JAAFAR - AFP
Asian Cup game 'most important in our history' says Tajikistan coach
Tajikistan's final group match at the Asian Cup on Monday is the "most important game in our history", coach Petar Segrt has said, with a place in the last 16 still possible.
The team ranked 106 in the world were unlucky to be held 0-0 by China in their first game ever at the tournament, before losing 1-0 to hosts and reigning champions Qatar.
With the top two from each group plus the four best third-placed teams going into the knockouts, Tajikistan are still alive going into what Segrt on Sunday called "our final" against Lebanon.
Lebanon, who are 107th in the FIFA rankings, can similarly still go through.
"It is an honour to play this kind of game," said Croatia's Segrt, whose side realistically need to win to stand a chance of progressing.
"For us it is not pressure -- we must enjoy every moment. Don't forget that we are the newcomers here.
"This is the most important game in our history," the colourful 57-year-old added.
"But I hope after this game we will have again the most important game in our history (in the last 16)."
Qatar, who have already topped Group A, face second-placed China at the same time.
K.Marshall--EWJ
Featured