Former Ukraine defender Artem Fedetskyi commented on the team's 2-1 victory over Iceland in the final of the play-offs for Euro 2024.
- What are your impressions of Ukraine's victory over Iceland?
- Expectations from the match were met. You can go through absolutely every player personally, but well done to everyone. They showed the strength of which our national team is capable. That's why I have the most positive emotions, because this is such a historic moment in such a difficult time for our country.
The guys pleased both the fans and our defenders, who, I am sure, were looking for the slightest opportunity to watch the match.
- After the match with the Bosnians, there were a number of questions to the national team. Did yesterday's match demonstrate progress in this regard?
- I don't know who could have had questions for the national team. You see, you have to prepare differently for each opponent. Both theoretically and tactically.
Of course, the games were completely different. The guys understood the price of a mistake, what was at stake. That's why in the first match, I adjusted a little bit to the game of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which tried to slow down the pace. Especially when they scored first and started playing for the result, frankly dragging out the time.
But the guys did well. The individual qualities of the players definitely played a role. The same Yaremchuk, Dovbyk. We achieved the result, and that's the most important thing.
As for Iceland, this is a team that plays itself and lets others play. Therefore, given the speed of our insights, the high level of football IQ in the centre of the pitch... Sudakov played great, he made penetrating passes, he made a lot of sharpening. Everything was much more interesting and spectacular.
But the main thing is that we won. We are at the Euros. To be honest, I had no doubts about the strength of our team.
- Another strong-willed victory - what is it? Rebrov's coaching skills, the players' thirst - what plays a key role here?
Everything in the complex. We see that the national team has character. This happens when they play more cautiously at first, and then, when they concede, the team starts to act differently. This is somewhere at the level of psychology.
I am glad that the guys do not give up, do not start playing chaotically, but continue to play intelligently. Whether it's a fast or positional attack, they try to bring it to a logical conclusion, to a shot on goal.
What I like most here is the calmness of the players. There is no panic, but they immediately add in all components. It changes somewhere on the mental level. Yesterday it was a pleasure to watch the match, despite the fact that we conceded first.
I would also like to thank the support in Poland, the fans who were in the stands. The atmosphere was great, and the boys felt it. Of course, we are waiting for the national team's matches in Ukraine, but now is the time.
- The good physical condition of the national team is noticeable, even in the second match, which was usually a problem for Ukraine in this regard before. Do you agree?
- The national team is in great physical condition. But there are several factors. For example, there is a bigger bench, Rebrov has a great selection of players, he can change any tactical schemes.
Plus, the fact that the players who come on as substitutes definitely enhance the team's performance. This is the correct understanding of rotation - when a player is not offended that he was not played, but understands why this is happening.
An example of the same Zinchenko. Yesterday, he came out and played great. He was a real leader on the pitch, a real man. And I can talk about each of the players for a long time. Yaremchuk, Dovbyk...
Brazhko is impressing me now. It feels like he is already playing his 50th match for the national team. He plays so confidently, acts correctly in his position. He is a safety net for the wingers, a connection to the defence. He has a great future, he may not stay at Dynamo for long.
- What do you expect from this team at the Euros?
- Let's first be happy, let's hold on to this moment. The guys made us happy in such a difficult time. There is still a lot of time before the Euro, there will be three more friendly matches. Rebrov may try different tactical schemes. This is normal.
It is clear that the fans expect no worse results at the Euros after yesterday's match. Both in terms of the game, and in terms of the performance, and in terms of the result. I think everything should be fine. We have a group that we can handle.
But I don't want to run too far ahead and say that we should be one of the favourites. No, let the guys do their job, and now I want to be happy for our team for a few days.
This is a really important result for us now. This is an opportunity to remind us that we are at war, because people have started to forget. Both our partners and people inside our country. So this is a very important impulse.
Дякуємо за перемогу!