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On Monday evening, the world's largest landlocked country was glued to the screens. However, boxing superstar Gennady Golovkin was not wearing gloves. Nor were the athletes whom the audience watched on screen. Goalkeeper Leo Higuita is used to deflecting blows without gloves, barehanded. Hands that helped Kazakhstan reach the top eight for the first time in any level football or futsal event. It seemed that the Kazakh journey would end - Iran's team sent their opponents into a knockout after the first half with a score of 2:0. Like a boxer from the ropes to the number nine, Kazakhstan's team finally rose and sent the Iranians into a knockout with three goals. The Kazakhs opened a new page in history and reached the semifinals of the World Championship. A lot of credit went to Leo Higuita, who was named the best goalkeeper in the world five times in three years, for his excellent defense of the goal, including an episode at the end of the match. The 35-year-old player revealed to FIFA.com how the team celebrated the victory after the match, approaching the upcoming match with Portugal, thanking Ricardinho, the team's friend, whom he calls the best player in the world and his main supporter.
- What does it feel like to reach the World Championship semifinals?
- It's hard to describe in words. I'm 35 years old, I've never felt such emotions. Kazakhstan is among the four best teams in the world. We are among the true cobras - Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, and Kazakhstan! It's unheard of. - What do you think of Douglas' performance against Iran?
- He really is the "Iron Man," he practically never stops. When needed, he rests for half a minute, returns to the field, and plays with the same energy. He is the heart of our team. If Douglas plays poorly, we have problems. But in crucial moments, the "Iron Man" always shows up. I have no doubt that he is the best player in the world. It would be hard to find a more versatile player.
