Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Khamdamov and Bikmaev, again. But this time they were also joined by Egor Krimets, the team's defender. Krimets looked extremely tall, perhaps due to his Ukrainian descent.
There are many Uzbeks having Ukrainian/Russian/Belarusian/Polish root, and this was undisputed. The major reason was simple: legacy from Russian conquest. Russian Empire conquered the region in the middle of 19th century, and followed with another century of full Russification and modernization. Along Krimets, even their own pal Bikmaev is of Russian Tatar root.
In Uzbekistan, still roughly 20% Uzbekistanis are reported to have at least a mixed ancestry. Most common among them are Russian and Ukrainian, and followed is Armenian descent.
Today, they arrived to get ready, as Japan vs. Turkmenistan was ongoing. Japan had equalized 1-1 by then.
"Take a break, Dostonbek." Krimets told as he gave Dostonbek a smoke.
"Do you think Turkmenistan could win?" Dostonbek suspected: "They just lost their advantage now."
"Turkmenistan isn't known for football tradition like us. Uzbekistan has longer and more competitive history." Bikmaev explained: "Thus, this is not even a fair comparison."
"Bikmaev is correct. Uzbekistan has played in U17 and U20 World Cup, winning the recent U23 Asian Cup. Senior side plays in every World Cup last round since independence. What else?" Krimets said: "We shall crush Oman."
"Well, I hope …" Dostonbek told calmly: "But seriously, Oman is a tough nut."
"Does not matter. We have to win. No other choice for us now." Krimets responded: "Deal with it."
Both Dostonbek, Krimets and Bikmaev stood outside the Sharjah Stadium. They had arrived there together with all 23 players, including its technical staff and head coach, Héctor Cúper. They were eager to do that, until …
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"Hey, is that …" Surprisingly, Dostonbek discovered a couple walking into the stadium, and with no other reason to explain, they took measures immediately: "You?"
Very surprised, they once again encountered … Oumae. Even more, this time Oumae went together with a boy, and this was confirmed.
"Oumae?"
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So, their story started here.
Oumae did have a good romantic affair, with a boy named Shuichi. Shuichi was her former boyfriend, but after a conflict, they separated and they went into hardship since. There had been little contact, but this might be a chance for them to repair their relationship.
Egor Krimets was still a bit new, so he didn't know about that. However, Dostonbek Khamdamov and Marat Bikmaev knew it long ago.
"You? And who is this boy anyway?" Dostonek wondered: "Don't try to fool me, okay?"
Kumiko also noticed their appearances as well: "You … you're also in the stadium too?"
"Yeah, because … we are football players." Marat Bikmaev finally confessed, leaving them in surprise. Previously, she only knew Marat and Dostonbek on their behavior, but didn't notice about their status. Now, she knew who they're.
Dostonbek Khamdamov, Marat Bikmaev and Egor Krimets are both players of Uzbekistan national team. Of course, Egor Krimets felt a bit strange to see them there, as he did not know them unlike Marat and Dostonbek.
But Dostonbek knew it:
"Huh, I know her …"
Of course, none knew the boy, but two at least knew the girl. When they started to ask the boy, Kumiko told his name, Shuichi Tsukamoto. Then Bikmaev represented them to Egor.
Egor just stated: "Yes, yes. By a way, do you often try to get into the stadium? By ticket or sneaking?"
"I am not intended to go to the stadium, but I would like to go for some other reasons. Of course, mostly, we need music." Kumiko said: "For my euphonium."
"And I am her friend. No, we are not in love …" Shuichi warned: "Don't dare to talk about that."
"We don't, lol." Egor told: "So, you couple arrived to Sharjah quite early. There are still seats there."
"Yes, we do. Lol."
Shuichi told, but Kumiko wanted to prevent him from talking idiotic feeling. However, for some reason, Egor Krimets did not give a damn. Instead, he stated:
"They're bunch of children growing up, who care?"
Kumiko and Shuichi looked with Dostonbek, Egor and Marat. For them, it was enough of the shits.
"Are there anything else to say Sir?"
"No." Egor told: "So, do you have anything to say?"
"Mr. Marat was pretty nice for me, but I think many Uzbek players look pretty rude." Kumiko slammed.
"Rude?" All three startled: "Are you serious? Damn you girl."
"Aren't it?" Kumiko demanded: "Please if you truly care on."
"Do you really need to speak about them?" Shuichi wondered: "They should have not even been mentioned anyway, Kumiko. Besides, they're football players."
"Fine." Kumiko told: "Again, thanks for being honest, Sirs."
"Hahh … you're welcome …" Dostonbek Khamdamov said to them, as they entered the stadium. Deep disappointment, fated faces, was what Dostonbek, Marat and Egor felt from Kumiko. Shuichi also escorted Kumiko in, though they felt they would miss her euphonium greatly.
And, Marat Bikmaev quoted shortly but true …
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"Kind of …"
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