Former Ukraine midfielder Yaroslav Khoma commented toKomanda1 onyesterday'smatch between Dnipro-1 and Panathinaikos (1-3).
Yaroslav Khoma (photo: football24.ua)- It seemed that Dnipro did not have a clear plan for the match. Although it is possible that they were thrown off track by a quickly conceded ball. The visitors had an exemplary attack: a flank pass and a game of advance play in the goalkeeper's area.
- The opponents were in roughly the same conditions before yesterday's match, as the season in Ukraine and Greece had not yet started
- In my opinion, the physical conditions of Panathinaikos players were better. It was noticeable in their mobility, ability to adjust the pace, active use of high pressure, transition from defence to attack.
In my opinion, it was also due to the fact that during the preparatory period Dnipro did not have worthy sparring partners. And when the Greeks began to dominate in the debut, Oleksandr Kucher's wards simply panicked, there were elementary mistakes in the backing... Although, in general, there were two different halves. After the break, meaningfulness appeared in the actions of the nominal hosts, but lack of concentration at their own goal led to two more missed goals.
- Dnipro's Artem Dovbyk left the field without a goal again. It seems that he can only score in the UPL, the level of which is low for obvious reasons...
- Dovbyk's goalless streak is already starting to worry us. He disappointed again on the international stage. Artem cannot be denied his diligence, but his performance in the final stages raises questions. A skilled striker should be able to create chances like Dovbyk had yesterday.
I also noticed that Artem doesn't open up much, mostly with his back to the goal. In such circumstances, the opponents had more chances to prevent him from being in a striking position. Yes, in a few episodes Dovbyk played well to his teammates, but his mission is to score.
- The final score of the game?
- I think so. The advantage of the guests in the realisation of goal moments was obvious. And this is a decisive indicator in the level of training. It's good that at the end of the match Dnipro managed to score a prestige goal.
- In your opinion, was Oleksandr Kucher's decision to entrust the No. 1 position to young Yakov Kinareikin the right one?
- The choice of the manager was influenced by Roman Misak's injury and the fact that another summer newcomer, Yevhen Volynets, joined the Dnipro squad a week ago and there could have been problems with the common language with his partners. By and large, there are no questions about Kinareikin, he did not miss the butterflies, but he did not help out either.
- After the 1-3 loss in Kosice, can Dnipro-1 still move on?
- There is always a chance. No wonder they say that hope dies last. I hope that Oleksandr Pikhalonok will have time to heal his injury before the second leg. Yesterday we really missed him in the middle line. Much will depend on whether Dnipro will be lucky enough to score a quick goal in Athens, then the intrigue may return.
Although we have to be realistic: "Panathinaikos is very close to facing Marseille in the next round of the most prestigious European football tournament.
Vasily Mikhailov
