Former Ukraine striker Ivan Getsko shared his impressions of the Euro 2024 qualifying match against Italy.
Ivan Getsko
- Certain positive shifts in the game of our national team under the leadership of Sergei Rebrov are already noticeable. It is important that in the key games - against England in Wroclaw and yesterday - against the Italians, our guys were maximally motivated, which indicates a great microclimate in the team. The only thing that worries: the completion of attacks. The current national team, as well as Sergei Rebrov's predecessors, are lame. This is the reason why in the above-mentioned games, the chances at the opponents' goal could be counted on the fingers of one hand. Something must be done about it.
- But Mudryk, Tsygankov and Dovbik, who played up front yesterday, are now on the move in their clubs from the top championships.
- I do not think that their level of performance does not meet the requirements of today, but now it is the offensive line that is the vulnerable spot of our national team.
- However, we should not forget that yesterday we had to compete with the Italians, who have always been famous for their defence.
- In Leverkusen, the Scuadra Adzurra defenders were not blameless. Let's remember at least the episode when after a throw-in from touch due to inconsistency between the stopper and the goalkeeper, the ball ended up at free Mudryk, who shot into the far corner, but Donnarumma had time to react. Although Mikhail should have played more cleverly.
- But in the penalty shootout, Mudryk converted a penalty when he was brought down by the visitors' defender.
- I was most surprised that the VAR referee did not react to this obvious violation of the rules, he was obliged to prompt his colleague.
In general, the right tactics were chosen, the Ukrainians were pleased with their ability to maintain a high tempo and get out from under pressure. The dominance of Serhiy Rebrov's side was evident towards the end of the game, when the Italians looked tired. Only one accurate "shot" was missing.
- Now our guys have nothing to do but to get through to the final part of the championship through the knockout matches.
- It should be noted that the Ukrainian national team had problems with them earlier. In the spring there will be an opportunity to rehabilitate. Serhiy Rebrov's charges have proved that they can play even with the top teams on equal terms. And with that selection of performers they should win in the play-off round. I hope that before those March battles our forwards will have time to fix their aim.
