Ukrainian coach Myron Markevich shared his impressions of the 2022 World Cup in an interview with "Team 1".
Myron Markevich— It turns out that Neymar and his partners let me down? (smiles) But it is their own fault that they let the Firebird out of their hands when they came forward with the Croatians. In my opinion, they overestimated their capabilities, believing that victory was already in their pocket. And instead of playing to the score, they continued to advance with great forces, exposing the rear. This was what the experienced Balkans took advantage of, for whom one accurate shot into the goal area was enough to save themselves from defeat. Although, of course, it is a pity, because there were many very strong performers in the Brazilian team.
— And after the unexpected fiasco of the Brazilians, everything should have been decided in the duel between Argentina and France...
— I believe that these national teams deservedly made it to the finals. Perhaps, if the French had a recognized scorer Karim Benzema, I would rate their chances higher. However, he did not go to Qatar due to an injury, and the Argentinians looked more interesting thanks to a more balanced lineup. Although they almost paid the price when they slowed down midway through the second half with a score of 2:0. The French, with their leader Kylian Mbappe, restored parity twice. And only in the series of post-match penalties did the lucky ticket fall to the Argentines, led by captain Lionel Messi, who scored a double before that. It is not for nothing that they say that there are strong football players, very strong, and there is simply the unsurpassed Messi... In my opinion, the Argentines played more for victory, besides, they had the football God on their side, who was very eager to have the genius Lionel in his collection there was also the title of world champion...
— Do you think that Messi is the best player of the championship?
- So. Remember the attitude of the Latin American in every match, how he was focused on finding the shortest paths to the goal, and how he worked for his team, often playing for partners from deep in the field. His endurance at the age of 35 can only be envied...
— And what match in Qatar do you remember the most?
— Final. By the way, his script reminded me of the decisive match of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico City, which I had the pleasure of attending. At that time, the relationship was clarified by the Argentines and the Germans. The Latin Americans also won 2-0, but their opponents leveled the score. Jorge Burruchaga had the last word, who scored the golden goal from Diego Maradona's pass - 3:2. In Mexico, the legendary Maradona performed, and in Qatar, Messi. Even with such outstanding players in its ranks, the Argentine national team waited 36 years for its next, already third promotion, and it did wait...
— Did the championship in Qatar open players who will soon make a loud statement at the club level?
— In my opinion, the 22-year-old Moroccan midfielder Azzedine Unahi from modest French Angers is the best fit for this nomination. He showed himself, as well as the Moroccan national team as a whole, from the best side, and I am sure that the player will soon find himself at a top club. I also really liked the new world champions, 21-year-old Enzo Fernandez and a year older Julián Alvarez. But unlike the Moroccan, despite their age, they are already prominent in their famous clubs, respectively, Portugal's Benfica and England's Manchester City...
Credit must be given to Argentina national team manager Lionel Scaloni, who boldly trusted the youth, and they did not disappoint. Although what impressed me the most was how the Argentinians acted tenaciously in selection, what exemplary game discipline they had...
— So, in the end, did the World Cup in Qatar live up to expectations?
- So. It was very interesting, and it is a pity that among its participants there was no national team of Ukraine, which, I am convinced, would have performed better than the Welsh, to whom, unfortunately, they lost in the selection. I think that the reasons for this failure have already been determined, now it is important to draw the right conclusions and make maximum efforts to make it to the next world forum, which will be hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026.
Vasyl MYKHAILOV
