“As a coach, I have grown a lot during this competition. This was my first stint at the Continental level and the experience that I have garnered and the emotions I have felt will always be unforgettable,” said Rakhmatullaev. 

Rakhmatullaev was full of appreciation for his troops and vowed to use the experience from the competition as the foundation on which he would help the team set fresh targets. 

“I think both teams were evenly matched and that my boys tried their best. But this is how football is - in the end, someone wins and someone loses and today it was Korea Republic’s day. 

“The experience that the kids have gained is invaluable and will help immensely as we forge our way forward. I am incredibly proud of the efforts of not just the players, but the entire coaching staff,” said Rakhmatullaev. 

Even as the cloud of disappointment over letting the opportunity to lift the title slip away cast a gloom over the squad, the Uzbek coach was optimistic about the road that lies ahead. 

“As soon as the match ended, I told the boys to look ahead and not back. My job now is to find fixes for the problems that we have identified and make the team World Cup ready. 

“We have analysed all our matches and have found some areas where we might still be lacking. For instance, I could see the team’s stamina gradually dwindling towards the end, so that is something I will pay attention to now. I must now make sure that their thoughts are occupied with the next target only.”