Magomed Adiev: "Our goal was to beat the opponent and prepare for Northern Ireland"

Kazakhstani head coach Magomed Adiev:

''I wouldn't say that the first half was good for us. We underestimated that our line-up did not have a multi-position attack. In the second half, our plan was to slow the game down and the players maneged with the task. We did not think about playing a beautiful game, we wanted to take three points. The goal was to defeat the opponent and prepare for Northern Ireland.

The San Marino team defended well and systematically. They treat their gaming system well. That is why it was important to give ten percent of the ball to the opponent. Thus, we removed them from the system and achieved results.

Why didn't Kasym get on the list? I get asked this before the game and after the game. Other questions? There are no problems between us and Alibek. He is the player the national team needs. There are six central defenders in our team. Not everyone can play at the same time. Therefore, it was necessary to exclude one player from the list.''