Former Shakhtar Donetsk and Ukraine striker Andriy Vorobey told us what he expects from the Ukraine vs Iceland play-off final of the Euro 2024 qualifying round to be held in Wroclaw today.
Andriy Vorobey- I think our team is the favourite. The selection of players in the Ukrainian national team is much better and stronger. But this is football, anything can happen. The game with Bosnia was incomprehensible to everyone, and Ukraine's half and a half was simply about nothing. Thank God that the team has character, and we managed to turn the game around, score a goal and win on the back of nerves.
- What substitutions do you think Rebrov will make compared to the match against Bosnia?
- In the game against Bosnia, it was noticeable that our leaders, Zinchenko and Mudryk, do not get enough game practice in their clubs and are not in optimal condition. Even the UPL players were more mobile, motivated and in better shape. I think the national team coaching staff will make some spot replacements. But I wouldn't be surprised if the same line-up comes out as against Bosnia.
- From which of the players of the national team of Ukraine do you expect a bright game, who should become a leader and lead the team?
- First of all, I expect a good team performance. The Ukrainian national team is very strong in terms of potential. I want us to play reliably at the back and effectively in front. Iceland is not a weak team, a kind of mid-table side, but they are unpredictable and you can expect anything from them.
- Rebrov often entrusts Dovbyk with a place in the side, but Yaremchuk, coming on as a substitute against Bosnia, scored a goal and gave an assist, becoming the Lion of the Match. Who do you think will play up front against Iceland, or will Rebrov take a chance on two strikers at once?
- Strikers always depend on midfielders. Dovbyk was on a starvation diet for a half and a half against Bosnia, but he found his moment. This shows that he is in good shape and has a great eye for goal.
I think Dovbyk will be in the first team in any case. Yaremchuk was also good, he came on as a substitute and decided the outcome of the game against Bosnia. It seems to me that our team will play with one striker, which will be Dovbyk, and Yaremchuk will come on as a substitute in the second half.
- What is your prediction for the match?
- My prediction is that Ukraine will win. I think Rebrov will make adjustments after the game against Bosnia. Tomorrow will be a completely different game. We don't need to swing for so long and be careful, we need to play for the result from the first minutes. I'll take a chance on 3-1 in favour of Ukraine.
Andrii Piskun
