Ex-Ukraine defender Volodymyr Mykytin said on the eve of the draw for the play-offs of the Euro-2024 qualifying tournament what he thinks about the prospects of the Ukrainian team at this stage of the tournament, and also touched on the recent match between Ukraine and Italy (0:0).
Vladimir Mikitin- It's been a few days since the confrontation with the Scuadra Adzurra, but before my eyes I still have the episode in the 93rd minute, when the Italian defender knocked down Mikhail Mudryk, for which he was not penalised with an 11-metre penalty. For what offence to award a penalty then, why didn't the VAR referee intervene? I don't know if referee Manzano from Spain will be disqualified for this antics in Leverkusen, but, of course, it won't make our national team feel any better. The chance to qualify directly for Euro-2024 has been lost.
- What do you notice in the actions of the Ukrainian national team and what deficiencies still need to be worked on in preparation for the play-off round?
- The coaching staff headed by Serhiy Rebrov chose the right strategy: to stand firm in the first half, not to concede a quick goal, and after the break to increase momentum and try to snatch victory.
The guys were very motivated, they were eager to play hard. There were no questions on physical preparation, under the onslaught of Ukrainians "Scuadra Adzurra" at the end of the game looked tired and focused on defence. It seemed that we would finish off the opponent.
Unfortunately, everything was spoilt by our unconvincing play in the final stage of the offensive attack. Dovbik was invisible again, Mudryk often dropped out of the game, as in the first game with the Italians, Tsygankov was lost. The nominal hosts, with the rabid support of the fans, did not play for a victory, if we take into account the meagre number of chances created at the gates of the guests. That's why Sergei Rebrov should now focus his attention on strengthening the attacking endeavours, because without scoring, at best we can expect only a draw.
- On Thursday we will find out with whom the Ukrainians will compete in the play-off round. It is not ruled out that the first opponent will be Wales, who lost in the fight for a ticket to the last World Cup.
- You know, I am concerned that the Ukrainian national team is unsuccessful in the knockout rounds. I hope that in March next year this sad tradition will be over. Now Ukraine has a fairly balanced squad: veterans are proving that there is still powder in the powders, youngsters are progressing. The vast majority of players have considerable international experience. As you can see, there are plenty of advantages. And the same potential rival - Wales - several leaders have already finished playing for the national team. Therefore, there will be an opportunity to take revenge, but only if Dovbik starts to prove that he can score not only for Girona.
