Former Ukrainian national team player Valeriy Kriventsov told what he expects from the match of the Ukrainian national team with Bosnia and Herzegovina in the semi-final of the play-off round of the Euro 2024 qualifying cycle, which will be held on 21 March in Zenica.
- This Spanish training camp is very important for the Blue-Yellows, - said Kryventsov. - The team has not gathered for a long time, and everyone needs, figuratively speaking, to remember each other - emotions, communication, game connections, Serhiy Rebrov's requirements, tactical moments. Ahead is a very important match and now every detail, every little thing is more important than ever.
- Footballers from UPL arrived at the training camp immediately, but the foreigners are joining gradually. Mikhail Mudryk will arrive later - actually 24 hours before the team moves to Bosnia...
- Mikhail can not arrive earlier because of the official matches of Chelsea these days, so he will appear at the training camp of the national team in Marbella on 17 March. It's not a big deal, the coaches will have a look at him, talk to him, check his conditioning, because Mudryk hasn't played full 90 minutes for a long time.
- The experience and skill of our players, who play in such strong leagues as the APL, Spanish and Italian championships, will be very important in one away game. Whose condition is most alarming?
- The aforementioned Mudrik. Mikhail, unfortunately, as I have already noted, does not have full game practice. In addition, the injury of Tsygankov was very upsetting, of course. I do not know if our coaching staff will risk to put Viktor for such a tough match, which is expected in Bosnia. The injury can be aggravated.... As for the other foreigners, they are playing, they are in the main lineup of their clubs, including Zinchenko, who, I hope, will have time to gain the necessary conditions before 21 March.
- Will the absence of experienced players - Stepanenko and Yarmolenko significantly weaken the Ukraine national team?
- There are no irreplaceable in football. Of course, their experience and confidence would not hurt the national team now. However, another talented player - Brazhko - got a chance to prove himself in the Ukraine national team. He played at a very good level all last year, secured his place in the base of Kyiv Dynamo and gained experience of playing on the international arena. According to Serhiy Rebrov's tactical scheme, the position where Brazhko plays is crucial, that's why we have high hopes for him. Of course, experience is important, but it is more important to put healthy and physically ready performers for the game.
- Who, in your opinion, will defend the gates of the national team of Ukraine in the Euro-2024 qualifying match?
- There is a goalkeepers coach in the national team. He has a very important job, during which it is necessary not only to talk to each of our goalkeepers, but also to see their condition, how they react during training sessions, and so on. And who will play in goal - Trubin, Buschan or Lunin - will decide, it's not a problem. The main thing is that there is a choice.
- Which of the forwards by style of play is more suitable to face the Bosnian defence?
- I think all of them - Vanat, Yaremchuk, Dovbik and Sikan. The team's defence depends on the quality and specific play of the centre-forward, who must direct the attack, drive the opponent. All of our forwards know how and are able to do that. Therefore, Sergei Rebrov has a good choice in attack, as well as among the goalkeepers.
- What do you say about our opponent - the national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina?
- There is a significant number of qualified performers, playing in strong European championships. The Balkan players are all with character, they all know how to play power football, their dedication is very important. The match will be nervous, and our guys need to prepare for it. In the Balkans the fans have always provided insane support for their teams. I am sure the Bosnians will want to crush the Ukraine national team from the first minutes. "Blue-Yellow" need to be very attentive at the beginning of each half. It is important not to be scared of the opponent, and rationally use their chances, which in the playoffs are worth their weight in gold.
- What result do you expect?
- Of course, we expect only success for the Ukrainian national team. However, we must understand that at this level, in the qualifying for the Euros, there are no weak opponents. I would bet on a minimal victory of our team.
Oleg Semenchenko