Former Dynamo player Vitaliy Kosovskiy told what he expects from the Ukraine national team in the match of the Euro-2024 qualifying cycle with the team of Northern Macedonia.
Vitaly Kosovsky- In my opinion, the Ukraine national team will start the game according to the 4-2-3-1 scheme, which transforms into 4-3-3 when attacking. With any variants, only Stepanenko's position will remain unchanged - in the supporting zone.
- And who will most often help Taras on the approaches to his penalty area?
- Most likely, Sudakov. In general, I think, in the tactical constructions of the nominal hosts will be noticeable, as they say, triangle: Stepanenko - Sudakov - Zinchenko. Both in offensive operations, and when the opponent will possess the ball in our half of the pitch. A lot will depend on their efficiency.
- On Saturday in Prague, midfielders Yarmolenko and Tsygankov will not be able to help due to injuries. Which of them will be missed more?
- Now Yarmolenko's role in the national team is more important, as a senior partner, helping with advice, will back you up when necessary. I think that the absence of Tsygankov will be more tangible, because he is a mobile player, creative, with a sense of passing, well-positioned shot.
- Who can replace them?
- First of all, Mudryk. He is gradually adapting at Chelsea, he is becoming his own, and with each game he is more and more productive. I think that the Zinchenko-Mudric bundle should create a lot of problems for the Balkans.
But it is difficult to say who will act on Yarmolenko's flank. Perhaps coach Sergei Rebrov will give Karavaev a chance.
- But even the most ardent Chelsea fans, while paying tribute to Mudryk for his sharpness in attack, criticise him for his unwillingness to help the defence.
- You know, the game in Prague will be decisive for the distribution of places in the group. That's why everyone on the pitch will have to fulfil everything. I am sure that Rebrov will set up Mudryk in such a way that he will have time to work even when losing the ball. Although the effectiveness of the midfielders will also depend on how they will interact with the defenders and Dovbik, who has been put forward on the edge of the attack. I have no doubt that it will be Artem who will act up front. He has enough game practice in "Girona", which is now on the radar in Spain and will just loudly declare itself in the national team.
- Now I would like to hear your opinion about the midfield of the North Macedonians.
- There are players who play abroad. This is already evidence of their decent level. They control the ball well, so our team should try to play skilfully in tackling.
- The fact that our national team has changed "home" and will host the Balkans in Prague will not play against it?
- On the contrary. It will only serve as an additional incentive to demonstrate everything you can do in a new country. It will serve to popularise Ukrainian football, of course, only if everything ends in victory.
- Then lastly, maybe you will try yourself as an oracle?
- An interesting and tense match awaits us. Ukraine will win 2-1, although it will be hard.
