Former Ukraine midfielder Yuriy Shelepnytsky analysed yesterday's Euro 2024 qualifying match between Northern Macedonia and Ukraine (2:3).
Yuri Shelepnitsky- The final result was super, but after the first half I wanted to turn off the TV, " said Yuriy Grigorevich. - I don't think it was an underestimation of Northern Macedonia after a good match against Germany. But it was all about psychology, first of all. The failure was in the brain, because everyone`s feet and hands are the same, the possibilities are the same, but the psyche let us down...
- To what extent was the game of the Ukraine national football team affected by the first goal, caused by a penalty awarded for handling Matvienko?
- In the last two games Matvienko has made gross errors for the third time. Obviously, he did not see the ball in the crowd, but for some reason he put his arm forward. At this level, a defender has no right to do something like that.
The first goal was certainly shocking. But the second missed goal nailed it down even more. A couple of our players tried to rush under that shot, but they did it somehow hesitantly. The other thing that struck was that it was a long way to goal, but Trubin was too forward and didn't guess the angle the ball would fly into. Trubin wanted to make a save, made a striking save, but failed to reach it. So, before the break, the Ukraine national team lost to the Macedonians in all components.
- What did Rebrov do at half-time?
- First of all, he made substitutions. Konoply and Vanat, and then Malinovskiy were quite logical. On the flank, where Tymchyk and Yarmolenko played in the first half, the Macedonians did everything they wanted. Secondly, talking to the boys in the dressing room. I think Rebrov could have said that we still have 45 minutes to play and we can even win. It's very important not just to say that we need to level the score, but to talk about the possibility to win. So, after the break, things really changed and the Blues and Yellows were no longer wooden.
- What has changed since the first minutes of the second half?
- The Ukraine team noticeably picked up the pace. Konoplya played more upfront, Mudryk finally switched on his best shot several times. Plus Vanat made our attacks sharper and faster. And, of course, after the break, a completely different Tsygankov came on the pitch, who showed his class and also scored with his head, which is not very characteristic of him. I would also note Sudakov, who started to take the ball more efficiently and make sharp passes forward. That is, overall, our team has improved aggression.
- The Northern Macedonian national team were too relaxed after winning 2-0?
- The Balkans are so ... Of course, they believed early on that the result was done. But the decisive thing was the fact that Ukraine got the better of the game. Had we not done so from the start of the second half, we would have got a third goal from the Macedonians.
- What can you say about Serhiy Rebrov's team's performance?
- We got three points and that's good. And then there is a lot to think about. Time, however, is short. However, this is the starting period for coach Rebrov, his team's formation. We see positive things - six goals scored in two games, and negative things - a lot of conceded goals... But the pleasant thing is that our national team play attacking football, with many promising performers and an ambitious coach.
- What can you expect in the next Euro 2024 qualifier against Malta?
- We must definitely take three points, because I do not think we have given up on our ambition to qualify for Euro 2024. The team will, of course, be building towards the 2026 World Cup, but we must also get ours now.
Of course, no easy walk with Malta should be expected. Serhiy Rebrov will have to work on his charges' psychology and make adjustments regarding positions. For example, Tymchyk failed the game with the Macedonians, and Dovbik was not at all impressive - he dropped out of the game, and that was it.
The Ukraine national team must progress from match to match, and then God willing. Time goes fast, before we know it will be time for the European Championship in Germany.
Oleg Semenchenko
