Dynamo midfielder Alexander Karavaev, who replaced Pole Tomasz Kendzera in the game against Fenerbahce before the start of extra time, became the author of the winning goal. This helped the Ukrainian giants reach the next stage of the Champions League.
The UA-Football correspondent began a conversation with Alexander Karavaev with congratulations on this event.
- Thanks a lot, he answered. — This is a very important victory for the whole country and our defenders from the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the terrorist defense.
- After the first match with the Turks, which ended in a draw, 0:0, was there a feeling of unfulfillment?
“Of course it was. Although we understand that we have not had official games for more than six months, so we know what we are capable of. However, we will improve with each match.
- Usually in the return match, it is much more difficult to play to achieve a result than to keep it. Was this opinion psychologically oppressive?
- Not. We understood that it would be difficult, because in Istanbul our opponent usually has very strong support. But despite this, our team was quite well prepared for the second leg.
- What did Mircea Lucescu say before the game in Istanbul?
- The fact that we can and know how to win matches when we are united and follow the instructions for the game.
- Due to what, in your opinion, did you manage to achieve the desired result in the Istanbul match?
- Due to team play. The guys leaving at the start, as well as those sitting on the bench or not included in the application, were all set to win and supported each other.
— Did the luck factor take place?
"Luck favors the stronger!"
- Is the ball conceded at the end of regular time the result of fatigue or loss of concentration?
- I think it's a coincidence. Perhaps fatigue, or maybe a loss of concentration. But the most important thing is that after the goal against our goal, we were able to pull ourselves together and still achieved our goal.
— How would you rate refereeing in Istanbul?
- Arbitrators judge as they see fit - they are professionals, after all. Therefore, I do not want to comment on anything, this is their business. And ours is to go out and play!
— How was your goal born?
- They did everything as the coach said: loosen the defense, make a cross and close the pass. That's all. This is how it was in my case. After throwing the ball in from out with the help of three passes, it ended up at Vivcharenko, he shot and I closed.
- After the goal was scored, there were tears in your eyes. What moved you so?
“These were all emotions at once. And the fact that at that time this goal put us ahead in the score, and the fact that I scored against Fenerbahce, in which I was five years ago. And, of course, I thought about our country. All thoughts were that as soon as possible we should wait for victory in the war and peace come.
- Do you think the numerical minority affected Fenerbahce in extra time?
- Yes, I think that the Turks were very tired and were no longer able to do something.
- Which of the two fights with the Turkish team was more difficult?
- Second. After all, he had strong support from rivals and responsibility.
- Given the previous performances at Fenerbahce, this match was special for you. What did you feel when you entered the field of the Sukru Saracoglu stadium?
- Of course, there were memories that I once played here. I really wanted to play at the stadium I knew and be sure to score to help win. I am very glad that this was done.
- Usually, on the morning of the match, the away team takes a short walk. Is it safe in Istanbul?
- We didn't leave the hotel, getting ready for the game. But the day before the match, we went on a small tour of the Bosphorus. Nice, I liked it. Although if you do not take the period of my performances at Fenerbahce, I have already been to Istanbul more than ten times! Mister tells us that it's wonderful when we go to other countries and cities. This is a good opportunity to see and know the world.
- Did the fans recognize you on the street?
- Yes, they still find out - and this, of course, is pleasant. After the match, even more people came up to me and took pictures.
- Mircea Lucescu is a fairly well-known person in Turkey, because in addition to the capital giants - Galatasaray and Besiktas, he also coached the national team. How was he received by the fans?
- Exactly the same as in other countries. Lucescu is known and recognized everywhere.
- Did you feel the support of Ukrainian fans during the match?
— Of course, we saw and heard her! Although in such an atmosphere, among the ardent Turkish fans, it is hard. However, when we scored the second goal, all the Fenerbahce fans were silent, and ours were very happy and supported until the very final whistle. We appreciate it and are very grateful to them.
- What do you remember about the period spent at Fenerbahçe?
- All this was expressed in just a few words: professionalism, love for football and fans.
- Did any of the former partners of this club play in the squad yesterday?
- From that squad, none of the players in Fenerbahce remained. Only two masseurs and one physical trainer. What is most pleasant: they still write to me, we communicate. With the beginning of the war, they even offered their help. Good people.
- What do you keep in memory of the Turkish period of your career?
— There are T-shirts of players who played in this team. And, of course, mine.
- Dynamo is waiting for another charity match - this time in England with Everton. Will you have time to recover after the Istanbul duel?
- I played in Istanbul for only thirty minutes, so I will be ready. And I’m sure that guys who didn’t play with Fenerbahce at all or spent less time on the field will come out against Everton.
- How does the coach set up for such matches? Is the task worth winning by all means, or is the result not put at the forefront?
- The result is always in the first place, because we are DYNAMO! But the game itself also needs to be shown at our worthy level.
— The next European opponent will be the Austrian Sturm. What is known about him?
- Until we sorted out this opponent. We will carefully prepare for the duel with Sturm after Everton. I know that this club is quite uncompromising, and in the Austrian championship it looks pretty decent. Especially last season, in which he finished second.
- Are you constantly in touch with relatives living in the Kherson region?
- Of course. Every day we communicate with parents via audio and SMS. There is no other way to do it.
Vyacheslav KULCHITSKY