Midfielder of the Ukrainian national team Ruslan Malinovsky spoke about the draw with Scotland in the League of Nations (0:0).
Ruslan Malinovsky. Photo: gettyimages.com- We are upset by the absence from the division A, but the team showed mature football. We won a lot of fights and dominated. But to win, you need to score goals. We created more chances than the opponent. It was a very good game, we deserved to win. But this is football. We need to prepare for the Euro 2024 qualification.
It was difficult, but I really liked the game. All worked 100%. Yes, this is the League of Nations, but the selection for the Euro is more important. We could have been in the second pot, but now we will have stronger opponents. We must prepare.
Now there are more important things in the country, let's cheer for another team - for our defenders. And then we will think about us.
- Everyone is talking about Petrakov's contract. Did he say something about this?
- He said that we were great, that no one had any questions. He praised everyone. We'll see what happens. I dont know.
There was a feeling that we would score in the second half, but the Scots closed and began to play low. They played well in defense, but created fewer chances. We showed a good reaction after the match in Glasgow. If they had scored first, it is not known how the game would have gone. We have a win, a draw and a loss with Scotland. We move on.
The Scots were very happy with the draw and celebrated. I was not far from their dressing room - they applauded, the coach said the words. After the match, they felt that they gave their all for this draw.
The team that plays better does not always win. I didn’t have any chances, they played very tightly with me.
We took to the field charged, because many of our fans came to the stadium. They heard how they shouted "APU". I think the military also hears this, they are pleased. Perhaps this is moral support for them.
— There were a lot of rumors about you: either you move to France, or to some other team.
- We'll see. It's football, I won't say anything.
Iryna KOZYUPA
