Famous Ukrainian coach Oleh Fedorchuk told us what he expects from the Euro 2024 qualifying match between Malta and Ukraine, which will take place today in Malta.
Oleg Fedorchuk- Oleg Viktorovich, in the match against Northern Macedonia, did the fans of the national team of Ukraine get away with a slight fright?
- If you take all the confrontations with the Macedonians, it has always been difficult for us. Although we always succeeded, the matches themselves were tense. In the last match, until the last minute, there was a feeling that everything could turn the other way, and only after Karavaev's goal did I feel at ease.
You could see how happy all the players of the Ukrainian national team were about this goal, which once again shows that the match was extremely difficult. Suffice it to say that the goalkeeper of the Ukrainian national team, Anatolii Trubin, received one of the highest marks.
- Why did our team give the initiative to the opponent after the first goal?
- Teams almost always play depending on the result on the scoreboard. Having a one-goal advantage makes it easier to vary tactics. We even created more sharp chances when we acted on the counterattack.
To be honest, it is the counter-play that is easier for us. Dovbyk, Mudryk, Zubkov are the players who need space.
- The match with Malta is ahead. Perhaps I don' t need to say much about what this game means to us?
- In addition to the fact that we must win, we also need to keep an eye on our competitors. I don't want Italy to beat England, then it will be even harder to fight for second place in the group.
- Is a scenario similar to the one in the first head-to-head meeting, when Ukraine won 1-0, possible in the match against Malta?
- A lot will depend on when the Blue and Yellows score a goal. Malta has a defensive system of play: they quickly switch from a 5-3-2 formation to a 5-4-1. And this scheme means that the team has a large number of defensive players.
We don't want to rush, but at the same time, a quick goal would be very appropriate in such a match, so that the Maltese start to open up.
Despite the fact that Malta scored only one goal in six matches, I wouldn't say they were beaten on one leg. Our future opponent is not a hopeless outsider.
Everyone should understand that this will not be a straightforward game, there may be difficulties. The most important thing is how Serhii Rebrov will combine contradictory ideas: on the one hand, he needs to introduce fresh players, and on the other hand, in such matches, chemistry is of great importance.
-Which option do youfavour ?
- I think there will be a few changes in the starting line-up. In my opinion, it will be difficult for Mudryk with a saturated defence. There may also be changes in the centre of the pitch with an emphasis on attack.
It's a pity that Malinowski, with his ability to execute standard positions and shoot from mid-range, won't be able to play due to too many yellow cards...
Still, I believe that the head coach will be able to choose the right plan for the game.
- What will be your forecast for the confrontation with the Maltese?
- I think the Blue and Yellows will win by two goals. I see the Ukrainian national team under the leadership of Serhii Rebrov as a cohesive and purposeful team. I feel that there is a single team on the field.
Our players play in a disciplined manner, which is extremely important. So I'm betting on 2-0, but I'll repeat that the match against Malta will be far from easy.
Yaroslav Pyatnitsky
