Former Ukraine midfielder Eduard Tsykhmeystruk shared his impressions of the Ukrainian national team's performance in yesterday's match against Poland (1-3).
Eduard Tsikhmeystruk- I have to admit, it's been a long time since I've been to a match with tens of thousands of spectators at the stadium. The atmosphere during the match was great. The performance of our national team is another matter. I expected more meaningful actions.
- What did you not like about the game of the Ukrainian national team?
- I must admit that in the first half they acted somewhat static, uncoordinated. As for me, there was a lack of concentration. We conceded three goals in half an hour... Of course, it was difficult to save the game at this level. But friendly matches are held to watch the players in conditions close to important meetings.
Serhii Rebrov gave a chance to the people he wants to count on. This is a normal process. The other thing is that the players who came on the field had to jump out of their skin to challenge some of the positions of the first-team players. In the actions of some players, I did not see the desire to compete with the leading players.
- It is said that understudies beat the main team in training. This did not happen in Warsaw.
- It used to be like that. Now it's not a given that the reserves will be able to beat the first team. In the game against Poland, it's even hard to single out anyone from our team. Another thing is when we made substitutions. Tsygankov and Mudryk came on and significantly improved the game.
- This friendly somewhat lowered the expectations of both the national team and its fans. As it turned out, there is no equivalent replacement for the main players.
- I wouldn't put it that way. Friendly matches are held to see the capabilities of each player. There were, of course, mistakes. In defense, there were players who are in good standing with their clubs in foreign championships. Inconsistencies revealed problems in interactions. Well, that's fine. It is better to lose in a friendly than in an official match. The coaching staff has received information about each player and will draw conclusions.
- We held a draw under pressure in the game with Germany, and in the match with Poland we tried to act on equal terms. Why did you fail?
- It happens: we seemed to control the game, but Poland scored the goals. In my opinion, there was no proper concentration.
- The Ukrainian national team is tasked with getting out of the group. Do you think we can do it?
- Everyone expects it. A generation of winners has grown up. Our players play in the leading clubs in Europe. I believe that the national team will overcome the group round.
Gennadiy Chekhovsky
