Kazakhstan’s national football team aims for its first international tournament qualification in the UEFA EURO 2024. Significant reforms in the Kazakh Football Federation have led to their recent success, including a crucial playoff against Greece. The rise of local clubs in international competitions has also contributed to a burgeoning football culture and increased governmental support for the national team.
Kazakhstan is experiencing a surge in football prominence as the national team aims for its first-ever qualification to an international tournament, the UEFA EURO 2024. The Kazakh Football Federation has played a pivotal role in reforming the football structure in the country, which has contributed to this upward trend. In March, Kazakhstan will face Greece in a crucial semi-final playoff match, striving to secure a place in the tournament.
Sports journalist Ermukhammed Maulen attributed the national team’s success to changes in coaching and leadership within the Kazakh Football Federation. He noted that these changes have fostered a positive environment that has benefitted the team’s performance significantly. Maulen emphasized that the national team’s impressive results in the EURO 2024 qualifiers have sparked a ‘football boom’ across Kazakhstan.
As of now, 21 teams have qualified for EURO 2024, leaving three spots to be decided through playoffs involving 12 teams. Kazakhstan will need to defeat Greece to advance, followed by a potential match against either Georgia or Luxembourg for a shot at qualification. Magomed Adiev, the national team’s coach, is determined to lead the team to this milestone.
Maulen highlighted the importance of Adiev’s leadership, describing him as a competent and qualified coach who has cultivated a supportive team atmosphere. The election of Adlet Barmenkulov as president of the Kazakh Football Federation has also been critical; he has initiated significant reforms in national football.
The rising reputation of the Kazakh Premier League is believed to have contributed to the national team’s progress. Clubs like Astana, Kairat, Ordabasy, and Tobol have performed well in continental competitions. Maulen pointed out that such international experience is beneficial for players, ultimately enhancing the national team’s overall gameplay.
Public interest in football has surged domestically, with government officials, including President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, attending national matches, which was uncommon previously. Maulen noted this increased attention is largely due to the national team’s successful performance, which has created a vibrant football culture throughout the nation.
Looking ahead to the EURO 2024 playoffs, Maulen expressed optimism for Kazakhstan’s chances, reminding that the team has already proven capable by defeating Azerbaijan and Slovakia previously. With rising confidence and motivation, he believes the team has a chance to make a significant impact despite their challenging draw in the playoffs.
Maulen also suggested that successful performance on the international stage may lead to more Kazakh players moving to clubs abroad, as exemplified by Nuraly Alip and Bakhtiyar Zainutdinov. He noted that several other promising players could also attract interest from international clubs, particularly from Turkey, due to cultural and linguistic similarities.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
