Famous Ukrainian coach Volodymyr Sharan shared his impressions of the final play-off match of the Euro-2024 qualifying cycle Ukraine - Iceland (2:1), according to the results of which the Ukrainian national team reached the final part of the European championship.
- The emotions are overwhelming. To be honest, I thought we would get through Iceland a little easier, " Sharan begins the conversation. - I did not expect such a game from the opponent. Icelanders were good, they played well. Better than against Israel at the semi-final stage of qualification. Even despite the fact that they won then with a big score 4:1, scoring two goals in the end of the game. The Israelis also had chances, even with ten men. If they had scored a penalty, there is no telling what would have happened.
But if we talk about Iceland's game with Ukraine, the islanders had good ball control and, in general, they looked pretty good.
- How would you assess each of the halves, which had diametrically different outcomes for our national team?
- The first half was equal. Ukraine had a territorial advantage due to ball control, which it possessed more. Of course, it caught the eye. But ball control is not a victory. As for the chances, the Icelanders had none.
However, we liked their play, and Gudmundsson's skill decided the game in the first half. It added both strength and confidence. And to concede in such matches, and even from the opponent, which is considered the outsider of the match - it is very difficult psychologically, and it was evident in our guys. Although in the first half Mikolenko had one good moment, and also Sudakov struck from an acute angle.
At halftime, our coaching staff made adjustments and in the second half the Ukraine national team played better. Much better. Although there were worries. Especially after the Icelanders ran out on the counterattack.
Take at least the episode that preceded Tsygankov's goal. Mudryk, who was in the free space, received a pass, he redirected the ball to Yaremchuk, who slipped and immediately launched a quick counterattack on our goal. Icelanders in large forces, five or six men, ran out to attack. It was good that Sudakov was on the rebound, took the ball and gave a long pass to Tsygankov, who levelled the score. Again there was space - and Viktor, having moved to the centre, accurately shot with his left.
In the second half, our team was superior to the opponent - both physically and tactically. And this is great.
- A lot has changed in the game after the score became 1-1, isn`t it?
- I agree. Tsygankov's great goal was very important. Although in the 78th minute after Zabarny's mistake Gudmundsson could have decided the game in the other direction. The moment was very dangerous, so anything could have happened. The Icelander intercepted the ball, made a great individual play and struck with his right foot. Luckily for us, the ball hit the net on the outside. If it had flown a dozen or two centimetres to the right, Lunin would not have saved it.
Needless to say, this moment in the second half was almost the sharpest at our goal. Thankfully, five minutes later Ukraine managed to score a second time. Our guys played great, and we witnessed a positional attack, in which Tsygankov from the right flank gave a pass to Sudakov, the latter redirected it to Mudryk, who showed excellent performance, shooting on technique (which is always unexpected for a goalkeeper). Mikhail without preparation aimed the ball down into the far corner.
At that moment we didn't see any Icelanders in the supporting zone, because they were already pressed against their own goal. I am sure that at that moment they were only thinking about how to keep the draw until extra time. But we won and, thank God, made it to Euro 2024.
- In the final part of the continental championship Ukraine's opponents in the group will be Romania, Slovakia and Belgium. What are your thoughts on the chances of our team to reach the next stage?
- I can say that it will be a very interesting European Championship. It is nice that among the strongest teams of the continent are our friendly countries Poland and Georgia. For Georgians it is a special success, because before they have never made it to the final stage of major competitions.
As for the Ukraine national team, the Belgians will certainly be considered the main favourites in the group. If we take into account that two teams get out of the group to the next round, our team has a chance, and not a small one. Now the coaching staff of Ukraine should think about strengthening.
- Have you already congratulated your former partner in Dynamo Kyiv and now your colleague in coaching Sergey Rebrov on the success?
- Of course! I congratulated him right after the end of the game. We all saw how the tension of the match affected him. The excitement was really very serious. Very! And not only Rebrov, but all the fans. It was very difficult to sleep after the game with Iceland. The main thing is that we are going to the European Championship. Our national team has made an invaluable gift to all the Ukrainian people, to every AFU soldier who defend our country from the enemy.