Interview by Peter Lyukimson, exclusively to Vestnik Kavkaza
On September 7th Israel hosted the World Cup 2014 qualifying match between the national football teams of Azerbaijan and Israel (Israel is the next rival of Russia). The result of the match in Group F was 1:1.
The former player of Neftchi Baku, Vladimir Manashirov, who now lives in Israel, commented on the game for Vestnik Kavkaza.
- Were you at the stadium or watched the game at home?
- Of course I was at the stadium. Together with my son I was at the sector of Azerbaijani fans, and I should say there were a lot of them. Some especially came from Baku to see the matches, others were Azerbaijanis living in Israel.
- What was an atmosphere at the stadium? Did you feel hostility toward Azeri fans?
- What are you talking about? The atmosphere was very friendly, even though the match was very important for Israel and its fans.
- Whom did you support?
- I supported both teams. I am for beautiful playing!
- What do you think about playing of both national teams?
- As for Azerbaijani players, they improved their professionalism, mastership. I think it is an achievement of the German coach Foks. At the same time, the level of playing of the Israeli team decreased or simply stayed the same. Bright stars are gone and it is felt. So, these two aspects determined the character of the match.
- Did the draw reflect a balance of forces?
- I think so. The score is fair, even though the Azerbaijanis were more active sometimes. I believe the level of Israel is higher, but Azerbaijani football undergoes uplift, and its players can become surprises in the nearest future for the world football.
