Ukrainian coach of Tiraspol "Sheriff" Yuriy Gura shared his impressions of the friendly match Moldova - Ukraine (0:4), which took place yesterday in Chisinau.
- The Ukrainian team completely dominated in all components. Our guys did not let Moldova even breathe. They completely controlled the ball, persistently went forward, and the opponent only defended.
I really liked the actions of Tsygankov, pleased with the game of Shaparenko, Sudakov, Konoplya looked good. He was well "switched on" on his flank. Yaremchuk showed himself well in the first half: he clung to the ball, and showed himself well in play, and scored the first goal. Well done.
I think that what Serhiy Stanislavovich Rebrov is planning for the opening game of the European Championship with Romania may have been realized in the combination of players in today's Ukraine squad. Perhaps it will be so. After all, in a game with four defenders "blue-yellow" just look like a team of a more attacking plan.
- Do you think the quick goal could have influenced the Moldovan national team?
- Actually, yes. But when I talked to Vlad Baboglo before the game, he told me that the Moldovan national team was a little tired. Especially because today it was very hot in Chisinau. It felt as if the stuffiness was like rain. I think that the rival of the Ukrainian national team in this regard was a little bit difficult. Especially because the Moldovans had to constantly play in defense. And this is very hard, especially when you are not on the ball, and the opponent is almost the whole game with it.
- Do you know what kind of injury Vitali Mykolenko has?
- I hope it is not too serious. After all, Mikolenko is a key player of the Ukraine national team. It needs him very much in the matches of the European Championship.
- What do you think about the atmosphere at the stadium in the capital of Moldova?
- It was super! Especially if we take into account that I have not been in such an atmosphere for a long time because of the existing restrictions on the number of spectators in Ukraine. In Chisinau there were a lot of people at the stadium, the stands were almost filled to capacity. Before the match in the atmosphere of solemnity the choir sang the national anthems of Ukraine and Moldova. It was very and very pleasant.
- Were there a lot of Ukrainian fans?
- Very many. All of them were in blue-yellow colors, with flags and small flags. Ukrainian fans fervently supported our national team, it was very impressive and touching.
- What do you expect from Ukraine's performance at Euro-2024?
- I will not talk about this or that goal. I want only one thing: for our national team to go on the field, win every match and go as far as possible in the tournament. I will follow with great interest all the matches of the Ukrainian national team at the continental championship.
Andriy Pisarenko