Former Ukraine national team player Yuriy Virt shared his expectations from the national team's clash with North Macedonia in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Yuriy Wirth- I still remember the match between these teams in the first round. Before the break, our guys played very well and very poorly, which cost us only two goals. After the break, the events on the football pitch changed dramatically and Serhii Rebrov's team managed to celebrate a super-willed victory - 3:2.
- What can explain such differences in the Ukrainian team's performance?
- It is possible that they underestimated the opponent. Apparently, during the break, Rebrov found the right words, got through to the guys, and they were already in the right frame of mind. Substitutions were also effective. I wish our national team not to fall into the same trap and start the match in Prague like the second half with the North Macedonians in the first round.
- Can the fact that the Ukrainian national team has started to change the venue of its home matches play a negative role?
- No, because we are still forced to play abroad because of Russian aggression. Apparently, when choosing a country, they began to take into account financial interests. Although there are many Ukrainians living in Prague and our support is guaranteed.
- Yarmolenko and Tsygankov will not be able to play in Prague due to injuries.
- There is someone to replace them, but if one of the stopper would fall out, it would be a problem.
- As a former goalkeeper, who would you entrust the No. 1 position to?
- Trubin. I feel that he has already come into his own at Benfica and is now in the spotlight. His saves in the Champions League match against Inter are worth a lot. But still, Rebrov will have the last word.
- In your opinion, will the Ukrainian manager surprise his Balkan counterpart with anything in the tactics?
- I don't think so. Most likely, the Ukrainians will play the usual 4-2-3-1 formation.
- And who will be at the forefront of the attack?
- Dovbyk. Although he doesn't score much, he has regular playing practice at Spanish side Girona.
- Finally, it remains to name the winner.
- I am convinced that our guys are well aware that only a victory leaves them a chance to compete for a direct ticket to the Euros. So, there should be no problems with maximum motivation. I hope that the Ukrainians will not let us down and will confidently win.
