Former Ukraine midfielder Oleh Shelayev shared his opinion on the Euro 2024 qualifying match between North Macedonia and Ukraine with Kommand1.
- Oleg, a few days ago, the Ukrainian national team began its journey under the leadership of a new head coach with a friendly match against Germany. What do you think of Serhii Rebrov's debut?
- Everyone was looking forward to this match. But everyone should also understand that it is difficult for a coach to implement his ideas in such a short period of time. However, based on the game and the positive result, we can confidently say that Serhii Rebrov's debut as head coach of the Ukrainian national team was a success.
- The official game against North Macedonia is ahead. How difficult will it be for the Blue and Yellows this time?
- Suffice it to say that North Macedonia did not allow Italy to enter the World Cup. The Balkans have a strong team, which cannot be compared, for example, to the Maltese national team, with whom we have our next game. The match will take place in Skopje, so with the support of their fans, the Macedonians will be very motivated. However, I still consider the Ukrainian national team to be the favourite in this match.
- The Blue and Yellows need to do their best in the next two matches to stay in the fight for the European Championship...
- It is clear that we need a victory in the match against Malta. And in the match with Northern Macedonia, we need to build on the game itself, how it will develop, how difficult the opponent will set us. I do not believe that a draw will be a shameful result for the Ukrainian national team, but again, we need to look at the game itself. This is football, anything can happen here. You can dominate the whole match, create chances but not score, or you can play inexpressive football, without much sharpness... Although, of course, we really need a win.
- How great are the chances of the Ukrainian national team in the company of England and Italy to compete for the top two places?
- I don't think that my opinion will differ from that of most experts if I say that the chances are not great. The Ukrainian national team is not yet up to the level of these teams.
- Could you try to predict the outcome of the match between North Macedonia and Ukraine?
- I think the Ukrainian national team will win with a score of 2-1. After all, the arrival of a new head coach gives any team an impetus, adrenaline and new motivation. Moreover, our national team is led by a highly qualified specialist who knows what he wants.
Sergiy DEMYANCHUK