Two years ago, goalkeeper Andrey Tveryankin was a rock in Azerbaijan’s superb run to the UEFA Futsal EURO 2010 semi-finals having only qualified for the first time. Now aged 44, Tveryankin is still at the heart of Alesio’s squad and as they plot their way past Portugal and Serbia in Group D in Croatia, Tveryankin tells UEFA.com that Azerbaijan will be just as dangerous now they are no longer an unknown quantity.

UEFA.com: How far can Azerbaijan go?

Andrey Tveryankin: Azerbaijan can repeat the result of 2010. We are strong enough to do it, but only the tournament will show. We will be at our usual level at the very least.

UEFA.com: Nobody knew much about Azerbaijan when you reached the semi-finals in 2010. Can you build on that experience?

Tveryankin: That helped us much back then, but we know we will not be regarded as a “just another team” anymore. Though the experience of just one EURO tournament isn’t much.

UEFA.com: What was the main event of the tournament for you in 2010?

Tveryankin: The [quarter-final] victory against Ukraine who are really very strong opponents. You remember such wins and they give you more confidence.

UEFA.com: You will be one of the oldest players at EURO if not the oldest. How long do you plan to stay in action?

Tveryankin: I’m going to play as long as my health allows. Much depends on the decision of the coaches and administration. Some people are afraid of the date of birth in my passport. But they trust in me in Azerbaijan and this means a lot to me. They say it right – it’s people who play and not the passports.

UEFA.com: What inspires you the most about Azerbaijan national team?

Tveryankin: The team is writing national history right now and I’m proud to take part in it. I reached the level I always dreamed about and got the opportunity to fulfill my goals in sport.

UEFA.com: Does it help that the backbone of the national team plays for Araz Naxçivan?

Tveryankin: It’s a great advantage. You gain a lot from team chemistry. The human factor also helps a lot, as we have a very friendly squad at Araz and this transmits to the national side.

UEFA.com: Can you point out the strengths of Serbia and Portugal?

Tveryankin: A never-say-die attitude for Serbia and high quality of both individual and team play for Portugal.

UEFA.com: What does it mean for you to take part in a EURO?

Tveryankin: It’s a big moment in my career. One that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

UEFA.com: You lost against Spain in qualifying. What makes them so strong?

Tveryankin: They have a great team and it is nice to play against them. They like to play and let their opponents play too.

UEFA.com: Why do Spain dominate European international team futsal?

Tveryankin: They have great individuals, more than two fours, a strong national league and good team play.

UEFA.com: What do you like the most about futsal?

Tveryankin: The passion, the excitement and the psychological highs and lows.

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