Dynamo U-17 defender Demian Tretiak played all three matches in the elite round of the Euro 2024 qualifiers for the Ukrainian U-17 national team. "The Blue and Yellows won three matches and reached the final of the European Championship.
Demian Tretiak (photo: fcdynamo.com)- What were your thoughts when you went to Greece for the elite round of selection?
- With only one thought - to win and take first place. And after we won the third match, the emotions were very intense. Everyone was very happy - from the players to the coaching staff, doctors, masseurs, analysts and other staff. You see, we hadn't reached the final for seven years, and now we did it.
- Which match was the most difficult?
- All the games were tough, and we had to make a lot of effort to win. For me personally, it was not easy with Switzerland because they lost in their first match, while we won, and our match was crucial for them in the fight to get out of the group. When we started to play, it was not easy because the first 20-30 minutes were the so-called "swing", but then, thanks to teamwork and the coaching staff, we were able to win.
- The decisive match was against Slovakia, which was interrupted due to weather conditions. Did it affect your attitude in any way?
- I wouldn't say it did. Everyone was very motivated and understood that we had to put an end to the match with the Slovaks and reach the final part of Euro 2024. It was very important. It's understandable that it's uncomfortable when the game is stopped because of a downpour, thunderstorm, lightning, but the coaching staff managed to convey to us that this is the last game and we have to do our best, give our best to win now, and not postpone all the issues for another day. That's why I think the stoppage had no impact.
- Are you inspired by the example of the previous U-19 teams, which once won the European Championships, and the U-20 team, which won the World Cup?
- To be honest, it is very inspiring. You realise that everything depends on you, on the team. Given the war in our country, we understand that we have to do everything in our power to make tomorrow better. You are the one who can and should do it. Go out on the pitch and give your best to glorify your country on the international stage and make people a little happier in this difficult time.
- Won' t such successes make players hold their noses?
- I understand what you mean. No, we have very good coaches who know how to put everyone in their place, so I'm sure none of the players will fly too high and grab a star. Everything will be fine.
- This was Yuriy Moroz's first tournament with this team. Did he manage to convey his ideas and requirements to you?
- Yes, he did. I can say on behalf of the whole team that the guys are grateful to him, and he and the whole team are doing everything to make sure that everything happens as we want. If he stays in the team in the future, I think we will be fine.
- Do you have any wishes for your opponents ahead of the draw for the final stage?
- Of course, I want the draw to be successful for us (smiles). But it is not very important. I think we have to look at our game. I don't really want to get to England, Germany or Spain, but if it happens, it means it's necessary.
