However, this Friday, they\u2019ll contest to become Asian Cup semi-finalists in what is becoming quite an unbelievable tournament debut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their overnight escalation from noisy minnows to every football fan\u2019s second favourite team, has been quite something. A young, positive, and fiercely patriotic team led by the enigmatic revelation of the tournament, Petar Segrt, Tajikistan have become the feel good story of this year\u2019s Asian Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sunday evening\u2019s penalty shootout victory over the United Arab Emirates only added to the rollercoaster of emotions Tajik fans have experienced all tournament long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The team may have taken to life in their unfamiliar surroundings, like an enthusiastic child – adamant in their positive approach, undeterred by their setbacks and above all savouring every moment on the continent\u2019s main stage – but admittedly, it\u2019s been a tough ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite opening aggressively and full of energy in their first group stage match, they were ultimately frustrated by a deep-lying China side, while exhaustion and a lack of experience at this level ultimately held them back against the hosts Qatar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two significant knock-backs that could well have spelt the end of their brief time in Gulf region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then came Lebanon. Their last roll of the dice before they awoke from their debut dream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n