Former player of the Ukrainian national team Yuriy Virt shared his expectations from the national team’s confrontation with North Macedonia in the qualification for Euro 2024.
Yuri Virt
“I still have before my eyes the match between these teams in the first round. Before the break, our guys played very poorly and well, which resulted in only two goals conceded. After the break, events on the football field changed dramatically and Sergei Rebrov’s team managed to celebrate a super-strong-willed victory – 3:2.
— How can one explain such differences in the Ukrainians’ play?
“It’s possible that we underestimated our opponent.” Apparently, during the break, Rebrov found the right words, reached out to the guys, and they were already in the right mood. The replacements also proved effective. I would like to wish our team not to step on the same rake and start the match in Prague the same way as the second half with the North Macedonians in the first round.
— Could the fact that the Ukrainian national team began to change the venue of home matches play any negative role?
— No, because anyway, because of Russian aggression, we are forced to play abroad. Apparently, when choosing a country, financial interests began to be taken into account. Although many Ukrainians live in Prague and our support is guaranteed.
— Yarmolenko and Tsygankov will not be able to play in Prague due to injuries.
— There is someone to replace them, but if one of the stoppers fell out, there would be a problem.
— As a former goalkeeper, who would you entrust with the No. 1 position?
– Trubin. It feels like he has already become part of Benfica and is now visible. Just look at his saves in the Champions League match with Inter. But still, Rebrov will have the last word.
— In your opinion, will the Ukrainian helmsman somehow surprise his Balkan colleague in tactics?
– Don’t think. Most likely, the Ukrainians will play according to the usual 4-2-3-1 formation.
– And who will be at the forefront of the attack?
– Dovbik. Although he scores little, he has constant playing experience in the Spanish Girona.
— Finally, it remains to name the winner.
— I am convinced that our guys are well aware that only a victory leaves them a chance to compete for a direct ticket to the Euro. Therefore, there should be no problems with maximum motivation. I hope the Ukrainians will not let you down and will confidently gain the upper hand.
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2023-10-12 09:54:00
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