Timur Kassymov: "We Proved That We Are Ready to Challenge for the Top Spots".

"Losing is never pleasant. But whether in victory or defeat, we remain united and continue moving forward together.

As for the match itself, I believe we chose the right game plan. In the opening stages of the match, things could have gone our way. However, at this level, opponents do not forgive mistakes, especially the ones we made today. Unfortunately, those moments had a significant impact on the final result.

When a team loses, the responsibility falls on the head coach, and I take full responsibility for this defeat.

At the same time, I would like to stress that the positives we showed throughout this tournament were no coincidence. They are the result of the hard work put in by the Kazakhstan Football Federation, the entire coaching staff and, most importantly, the players themselves.

We proved that we did not come here simply to take part. We are ready to challenge for the top spots and compete at a high level.

We will analyse this match, learn from it and continue moving forward," Kassymov said.