Soccer-Coach Segrt makes Tajikistan dream at Asian Cup

Soccer Football - AFC Asian Cup - Round of 16 - Tajikistan v United Arab Emirates - Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - January 28, 2024 Tajikistan players celebrate with coach Petar Segrt after the match REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari

DOHA (Reuters) - Tajikistan coach Petar Segrt is warm and affable with a booming voice but after gaining popularity for his charm at the Asian Cup, he is now turning heads after his side's dream run to the quarter-finals.

The only team making their debut at the tournament in Qatar, Tajikistan were the competition's minnows and were barely given a second look when the 24-team group stage got underway.