Today, the national team of Ukraine will play its next match of the League of Nations against the team of Scotland. In the comment "TEAMS 1 » former blue-yellow midfielder Serhii Kovalets spoke about the prospects of Oleksandr Petrakov's wards in this match.
Sergey Kovalets— To Serhii Ivanovich, a few months ago, the Ukrainian national team won the 1/2 final match of the World Cup qualifier in Scotland. Now in the League of Nations, will the emotions be somewhat reminiscent of June?
— It is difficult to say how the future match will be. In the World Cup qualification, the emotions were extraordinary. Motivation, a full stadium... but then, despite all the problems, the Ukrainian national team played in a cool, organized way, not letting the opponent doubt their superiority. I am expecting something similar from the blue-yellows this time as well. Although the League of Nations is a tournament where you can use footballers who don't often get into the main squad, test the youth, which is shown by many reputable European teams.
— Who is the favorite for the upcoming meeting?
— The psychological state is perhaps better among the Scots, who have not seen all the grief that is happening in our country. But I believe that sports emotions will be on the side of our boys, who will fight not only for their authority, but also for the people who are now on the front line and protect the peace of Ukrainian citizens. Any victory in sports is part of the victory over Russia. Our athletes in any sport demonstrate what is called living and winning despite the weight of the situation.
But if we return to your question and sum up all the pros and cons, then, in my opinion, the chances of the rivals are approximately equal.
— At this meeting Oleksandr Petrakov has certain problems with the composition. Could this have any effect on the potential of the blue and yellow?
— For the coach, this may be a problem, after all, Georgy Bushchan, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Mykola Shaparenko are some of the leaders of the national team, but at the same time, it is a chance for other guys who are probably burning with the desire to prove themselves.
— Will the Ukrainians have enough strength to play three matches of the League of Nations at the same level during the week?
— This is exactly what rotation is for. Hopefully all the performers will get their time on the football field. You can remember when, after the June match with Wales, Oleksandr Petrakov changed almost the entire lineup for the match against Ireland and the boys did not disappoint. Once again, I note that the League of Nations is a tournament that can reveal many talents.
— Are we the favorites of our quartet now?
— Without a doubt. This was evident from the very beginning of the tournament. We have a group of football players who play in strong European clubs, and we should not forget about the representatives of the domestic giants. We now have a competitive national team. All the fans, myself included, wish the blue and yellow the best of luck in the next three matches.
Serhii DEMYANCHUK
