Former Ukrainian national team player Oleh Shelayev shared his expectations from tomorrow's confrontation between our team and Malta in the qualifying for Euro 2024.
Oleg Shelaev- At the press conference after the previous game against North Macedonia, the head coach of the Ukrainian national team Serhiy Rebrov said that there will be rotation in the squad that will be used against the Maltese. In my opinion, the changes will not be massive, maximum on two positions. The coaching staff may entrust the place on the pitch to Yaremchuk and Karavaev instead of Dovbyk and Zubkov, respectively.
- Do you think that this way Rebrov will thank Karavaev for the miracle goal that sealed the victory over the North Macedonians?
- No, rather Rebrov will give Karavaev a chance because in tomorrow's game we can foresee a game advantage of the guests, and when the opponent's defence is full, the Kyiv Dynamo player is more effective than Zubkov, who needs space.
- By the way, in the match with the Balkans in Prague, did you expect such a starting lineup from Rebrov?
- Yes. The helmsman has already decided on the main lineup, which is 15-16 players, and it is not difficult to specify which of them will take the field at the referee's whistle.
- Did our side deserve to win in Prague?
- The confrontation in the Czech capital was with equal chances to win for both teams. But the Ukrainians had better realisation. Although it should be said that in those few episodes where it was more difficult not to score, the opponents did not impress with their performance skills. I am talking, first of all, about our Mudryk.
- And who, in your opinion, was the best player of the match?
- I would mention our goalkeeper Trubin, who was at his best in several moments.
- In tomorrow's match with Malta, most experts consider the Ukrainians as favourites. And yet, where should we expect threats from the hosts?
- They will look for their chances when playing standard positions. That's why we need to be alert. As for me, the main thing is to avoid underestimating the opponent. It would be very good to score a quick goal, and even better - two. Then it would be possible to remove the question of the winner from the agenda already in the opening period. Our guys must realise that without a win tomorrow, the three points gained last Saturday in Prague will be worthless. Therefore, the mood should be maximum. And a more balanced squad, the presence of leaders in each link should be the key to success in Malta.
