"Karavaev is space": the legend of "Dynamo" is about justification for Besedin, safety margin and hope for a miracle

The duel of the 3rd qualifying round between "Dynamo" and "Sturm" was not particularly spectacular, and at this stage the result is of primary importance for the Kyiv team. The ex-striker of the "white and blue" Viktor Hlus agrees with this statement, but has doubts about the exit of Mircea Lucescu's team to the group stage of the Champions League. The legend assures us that the storm must be passed.

— We should be satisfied with this result. With such a game, a 1:0 victory is an excellent result, says Viktor Ivanovych.

— Did you like the game from an aesthetic point of view?

— Modern football has higher requirements. He needs more movement, more intensive management of the game, more active creation of dangerous moments. One shot and, as a result, one goal is just a coincidence. This is too little. In order to confidently win at this level, you need to create 5-6 moments before the break. So what did we see? Game without moments.

— Can the fact that Dynamo is just getting into the season and playing its nominal home matches in Poland serve as an excuse?

— I don't think it's that important. Of course, you can find excuses. Take a look at the top clubs in Europe. Do Real Madrid, Liverpool and Chelsea care about where they play? Both at home and away, they try to act as number one. You have to strive for this level. Referee errors are minimized thanks to VAR. In my time, two penalties per half time could not be assigned.

— In 1981, you played against Austria in the 1/8 finals of the Champions Cup. Dynamo also won the first match 1:0, and Andrii Bal scored the only goal, as did Karavaev yesterday, in the middle of the first half. True, then you won on the road.

— I even have a recording of this match. According to the result, they are similar, but the number of moments created is not even worth comparing. We attacked all the time, organized a lot of attacks and could have scored more. I don't know why we play more defensive football now. Perhaps such are the requirements of the time.

— As a striker in the past, is it not painful for you to watch the Dynamo offensive line?

— I'll tell you frankly. I put myself in Artem Besedin's place and completely understand him. It is very difficult for Besedin to play in such conditions. He is alone, without support. When a team attacks, a minimum of three attackers must operate on the edge. Of course, in defense, one sits down... It is extremely difficult for Artem, because he has to fight for the ball, play in the selection. It is exhausting and takes a lot of energy.

— The Oleksandr Karavaev factor becomes key in the second match in a row. A pleasant surprise?

- Definitely. The man is useful in all positions and plays a defining role in two matches. To score two decisive goals in two matches... That's space!

— In addition to the obvious hero, can you single out anyone else from the "white and blue" team?

— Dynamo has always been distinguished by individuality, several high-level football players, for whom fans came to the stadium. Now there is no such obvious favorite. Sometimes Karavaev shines, sometimes Tsygankov shines, sometimes Bushchan shines. But in general, for the season, I can't say that we have a locomotive that pulls the team behind it.

— In your opinion, Mircea Lucescu squeezes the most out of this lineup?

— Lucescu is an experienced and wise coach. And he does everything to ensure that the available football players do 100 percent of their work and achieve results. We cannot have any performer play at half strength. The class of the team is now low in the sense that everyone is performing at their maximum. Players have no stamina at all.

— Simulating the upcoming duel in Hrac, can we conclude that Dynamo should pass this opponent?

— There can't even be any doubt here. None. If we do not pass this team, then there is nothing for us to do. Did you see how in a parallel match Benfica easily handled Mittyulland? If we walk past such opponents... Fenerbahce and I are already lucky - the Turks have a very good team. Well, good luck one more time. But the team can't be so happy all the time.

— Is Benfica's potential passage a miracle?

- Assault passage is a common occurrence. They should be defeated with a margin. But a victory against Benfica - yes, it will be a miracle.

Lubomyr KUZMYAK