Former Dynamo and Ukraine national team midfielder Vitaliy Kosovskiy told what he expects from the confrontation of the Ukrainian national team with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off of the Euro-2024 qualifying cycle.
"I had the opportunity to participate in the knockout matches for the right to play in the final part of the World and European Championships, respectively, in 1998 and 2000. Unfortunately, the Ukrainian national team lost to the Croats and Slovenes then. Recently, the complexity of the play-off round has increased even more, because it consists of only one confrontation, in addition, will have to play on the field of the opponent. Therefore, this is a case where there is no margin for error. That is why it is important to take into account literally every little detail in preparation.
Unlike the Bosnian national team, which has not yet completed the change of generations, our team has already overcome this painful process. Therefore, we need to approach the match as concentrated as possible, especially in the opening. Because the game of skill is insidious because it is often topped by teams of lower class, but which have stronger character. You should be prepared for the fact that the opponent cherishes the hope to get further, so, and to prevent this, you need to demonstrate their best qualities. It should be the most effective teamwork, where there will be no room for underestimation of the opponent.
I agree, the Ukrainian national team has much more advantages. It is necessary to realise them, in particular, to take advantage of a more balanced squad. Although we must remember that the Bosnians will try to exploit some of our weaknesses. After all, it is no secret that those national team players, playing in the UPL championship, in March may not be in fighting shape. I hope that the coaching staff, headed by Sergei Rebrov, will remember this and will entrust the place on the field only to those who will be fully armed.
Personally, I am very much expecting productive actions from our attacking players. It's time to prove that they can score not only at the club level. Only under such circumstances, with the right attitude, it will be possible for the Ukrainian national team to lift the curse of the knockout matches," Kosovskiy said.