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| Maldives players greet supporters after winning bronze medal in SA Games |
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Dhaka, BANGLADESH – Maldivian national team coach, Urbanyi has said that he is proud of his boys after winning the bronze medal in South Asian Games. He also noted that this moment could be his last under his current contract. Maldives won the game against India in penalty shootout after a goalless draw in 90 minutes.
“I think we played good football today. It is kind of a lesson in football even to India. We could score 5 or 6 I don’t know how many goals. I told the players before the game that I don’t care about the result, if we play the way we practice. I am very happy because of this game. This is kind of a final moment in my contract. I think this is the reason I am here. To create some kind of football like this one. The reason it did not happen before might be that it needs more time. They played today without much pressure and I think they enjoyed the football today. I am proud of my boys.”
When maldivesoccer.com asked on the reason why Maldives started slow in the match, coach dismissed the claim.
“This is a stupid comment. We created 3 chances in the first half. We started in a good rhythm. We played more balls to the back because we did not want to use long balls. We did not start slow.”
Maldivesoccer.com also asked about how he sees the future, he said he don’t know what’s next.
“I have the contract till the end of this month. I don’t know what the next is. I hope that I gave something to the players. I hope they can use it with me or without me. It doesn’t really matter. I enjoyed all moment of this tournament and the previous one as well. So we’ll see what the next step is. But this game gave everybody a good answer. Don’t criticize that much, but to give support. Players need support to give better performance. Just like when there was a high jumping final before the game. If you want the athlete to go over his best, you need to give support.”
Urbanyi noted that he will carry some beautiful moments from Maldives.
“The experience in Maldives was wonderful. I am very happy and I feel good about this year. The mentality and the way of people talking to me and even some criticism coming, it is not a problem, it was nice. I can imagine living in your country. That’s the best thing I can do. Now I became a Maldivian as well. What happens in the future, I don’t know. But part of my heart will stay for sure. So I appreciate every single support I got.”
When maldivesoccer.com asked on the reasons why Umair was rested, coach said he was having an ankle injury.
“Umair got an ankle injury. He tested the leg before the game. But I told him that he does not need to take risk. Important AFC Cup games coming up for VB and he needs to take rest if he does not feel 100% confident. Life is just like that. Shafiu played a very well game. Mode played the best game. Naatte played the best game as a right defender. The way they played was good”
When asked about how he felt when Maldives faced the penalties, he said he told the players to enjoy the penalties.
“I told them enjoy the penalties as well. Enjoy every single second of the penalties. We deserve to win the game. Whatever happens, we are the winners of the match. This game was 0 -0. That’s the official result. We did not win the game, but we won the penalty shootout and won the bronze medal.”
Maldives team will be back on Wednesday night.
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