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Turkmenistan National Football Team Starts Preparation for Decisive Asian Cup Qualifier

19 Mar. 10:21

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The Turkmenistan national football team has begun intensive preparations for their crucial match against Thailand as part of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers. According to the Football Federation of Turkmenistan, this upcoming game is the most significant hurdle for the team in their quest to reach the final tournament. Currently, the squad is undergoing a training camp in the capital city, Ashgabat, focusing on tactical discipline and physical conditioning.

Under the guidance of head coach Rovshen Meredov, the national team is conducting training sessions twice a day. The technical staff is meticulously analyzing the opponent's strengths and weaknesses to develop a strategic game plan that can secure a positive result away from home. The training sessions are designed to enhance team chemistry and ensure that the players are mentally prepared for the high-pressure atmosphere of a decisive qualifier.

After five rounds of matches, the situation in Group D is incredibly tight, with both Turkmenistan and Thailand leading the table with 12 points each. However, Turkmenistan holds the top spot due to superior tie-breaking criteria, bolstered by a significant 3:1 victory over Thailand in their previous encounter in Ashgabat. Sri Lanka currently occupies third place with 6 points, while Chinese Taipei remains at the bottom of the group without any points.

The final and most critical match of the group stage will take place on March 31 at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok. The winner of this group will secure direct qualification for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 finals, which are set to be hosted by Saudi Arabia. The Turkmen players are determined to deliver a historic performance, aiming to bring pride to their nation by securing a spot in Asia's premier football competition.

















Maradona's Famous Football Sold at Auction

Today in 18:01

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The football used to score one of the most controversial goals in sports history, known as the "Hand of God," has found a new owner at an auction in the United States. The legendary souvenir used by Diego Maradona was sold by Heritage Auctions for $3.3 million. However, the final price fell significantly short of initial expectations, which had estimated its value at around $10 million.

The historic event took place on June 22, 1986, during the World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and England. The Argentine striker directed the ball into the opponent's net with his hand, but main referee Ali Bin Nasser misjudged the action as a header and officially allowed the goal.

Following the match, Maradona offered a famous explanation regarding the questionable incident. He stated that the goal was scored "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God." Since then, the object has been considered one of the most significant pieces of memorabilia in football history.

The Adidas Azteca ball was kept in the personal collection of referee Ali Bin Nasser for more than three decades. In 2022, the former official sold it for $2.37 million. Although a subsequent attempt to auction the item a year later failed due to a lack of buyer interest, the iconic football has now successfully changed hands once again.