Dynamo Kyiv and Ukraine midfielder Oleksandr Karavayev commented on the 2-0 victory over North Macedonia in the Euro 2024 qualifiers on a TV broadcast.
Alexander Karavayev (photo: gettyimages.com)- It was both important and difficult in all aspects. We understood that the Macedonians have a very disciplined team and play well in defence. They are also very good in attack, because they have highly skilled players who play in the top championships. So it was very difficult. But the guys followed the coach's instructions and played very well in defence. They didn't allow us to create anything at our goal, there were no super moments. And we had a lot of chances, we could have closed the match in the first and early second halves. Then it would have been easy to play. It is always very difficult to play when the score is 1-0. But, once again, our guys blocked the zones and passing lines very well. Well done to everyone!
- Comment on your goal.
- History is cyclical. Eight years ago, in October, I made my national team debut in the game against Macedonia. I came on as a substitute in the 86th minute with the score 1-0 and in the 90+1 Artem Kravets scored the second. Today, when the score was 1-0, I said that when I came on, I would definitely try to score (smiles). And so it happened.
Stanislavovych said that first of all, we needed to help in defence, because it was clear that the attacking players were "full" because they were running forward and helping out behind. We had to freshen up the game a bit. But when you see that there are zones, you have to run. And when the goalkeeper started to read in the other direction, I thought: I'll shoot. It worked out (smiles).
