Renowned Ukrainian coach Serhiy Kovalets shared his impressions of the U-21 national team's game against Romania at Euro 2023 and the Blue and Yellows' progress to the quarter-finals.
Serhiy Kovalets (photo: V. Perehnyak)- Serhii Ivanovych, you were right on the money when you predicted that Romania would be a tough opponent and warned about the inadmissibility of succumbing to the opponent's provocations...
- The main thing is the result, and we congratulate Ruslan Rotan's team on reaching the quarter-finals!
The game turned out to be difficult, the Romanians tried to act on the counterattack: to take the ball away and organise a quick attack. There was some nervousness, which is normal, especially since the opponent played at home with the support of a large number of fans. But our team played competently in terms of ball control, there were many positional attacks, they developed their attacks correctly, opened from deep in the field through the flanks. We successfully opened up the right flank, where Kashchuk was active, and Sych was constantly involved. We created several goal-scoring chances in the first half and had every reason to take the lead, but the goalkeeper saved the opponent. Nevertheless, thanks to our character and great desire, we pressed on and scored the winning goal at the end of the match. Importantly, for the second game in a row, the team played zero defence, which also gives us confidence.
Unfortunately, Vanat succumbed to the opponent's provocation, earned a sending off and will now miss the upcoming meeting with Spain. It's good that we didn't have to play in the minority for much longer.
- Yes, Vanat's sending off left an unpleasant aftertaste. Last season, Vladyslav earned 7 yellow cards for Dynamo, only Sydorchuk had more (13). Is this due to the young forward's style of play?
- It's emotions. Aggressiveness in attack is normal, but within limits. I'm sure Ruslan Rotan will talk to him and this sending off will be a good lesson. You need to be able to restrain yourself during provocations.
Vanat is a player who can make a difference. He has everything to grow into a high-level player. He will miss the game against Spain, but in the quarter-finals I think he will be able to help his teammates again.
- The national team's coaching staff made only one substitution in the main squad.
- Sudakov came on for Bragaru and played a very good match. I remember his split pass to Kashchuk, after which our winger came out one-on-one with the goalkeeper. In general, the potential of this team is very high. The players are individually of a high level, plus well-coordinated team actions. It is clear that a lot of work has been done.
- An important role in the winning goal belongs to Bragar, who successfully came on as a substitute.
- Maksym is a player who wants to develop and learn. His appearance strengthened the team's actions. Bragaru's activity and sharp actions on the flank forced the Romanian defender to cut the ball into his own net. But I would first of all note the team play of our youth team - everyone tried and worked for the result. They played a solid match.
- Oleksiy Kashchuk had three one-on-one opportunities with the goalkeeper, but failed to convert. What did he do wrong?
- He opened well, interacted with his partners, showed great speed. He did everything right, but the Romanian goalkeeper was successful, who caught the courage. Let's hope that both Kashchuk and his teammates will save their effective shots for the next matches.
- How do you see the last game in the group against Spain, which will decide the fate of the first place?
- The coaches will assess the physical condition of the players, and the recovery process - functional and psychological - will be important. Perhaps there will be a rotation. There will be a status game with Spain, a serious opponent, but first of all, we need to approach the quarter-final match in the best possible way. Ruslan Rotan is well aware of the capabilities of his players, I am convinced that the coaches will make the right decisions. I repeat, this team has a very high potential, but we need to move step by step.
Serhiy Sytnyk
