Tomorrow, Azerbaijan's national team will face Estonia in a crucial UEFA Nations League match, aiming to escape the bottom spot in the group.
Idman.biz reports that Estonia, having secured a 3-1 victory in Tallinn, leads Azerbaijan by three points.
To avoid finishing last in the group, Azerbaijan must aim for nothing less than victory in Gabala. Meanwhile, Estonia will focus on avoiding defeat.
Prominent Estonian football figures shared their thoughts exclusively with Idman.biz.
Marko Kristal, who has played 143 games for Estonia (including seven against Azerbaijan, scoring once), commented:
"I remember that all the games as also the resaults show have been games between two equal teams. You team is always full of technical players and we always have counted on hard work on the pitch.
The upcoming game will not be easy because Azerbadjan at home is realy tough oponent to anyone. The resaults has not always come along but the games are difficult for all oponents
Most of your players play weekly in a better level than estonian players but its the moment that matters and if you want to beat estonia you need to peform much better as a team as you have done in last matches."
Indrek Zelinski, who played in 6 of the previous games with the Azerbaijan team and scored once, is the second most productive player in the history of the Estonian national team with 27 goals:
"Historically all your players have been in a good level technically and physically because of history and experience of Azerbaijan football. Estonia on the other hand have had more strength in defense and organization and physical strength. And that's what makes football interesting when two different types of football meet. As the results in history also show us that our national teams have had always very compatible matches. And the upcoming meeting is not different. One thing that can influence the tactics and preparation is the standing in the group.
For us it means that even the draw is enough. But that can be a dangerous thought also. In our teams last meeting we had luck also on our side and we managed to score also second goal quite quickly after Azerbaijan goal.
Azerbaijan has a very experienced and good coach/manager and I am sure he and your national team will make our life difficult and Estonian team and player have to show their best qualities and be focused all 90+ minutes to get the result we need. I wish to you and all Azerbaijan team and nation all the best!"
Rasim
Idman.biz
