Ukraine's midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko assured that the Blue and Yellows treat Romania "exactly like Slovakia and Belgium, that is, with great respect," emphasizing how important it is to get off to a good start in a tournament where "there is no room for too many mistakes.
- At this level, there is no room for many mistakes, because the best teams and players in Europe are here, and they will punish you for them immediately. You need to be as focused as possible and show your best game. There is a moment - you have to score. Otherwise, you will bite your elbows later.
We now have a very good mix of experienced players and youngsters, so we help each other, push each other. I hope this will help us all in the tournament. We have everything to develop and grow both individually and as a team. But we need to work hard, prepare as best we can, and then we'll see what happens.
We do not need any additional motivation because we are living in the most difficult time for our country. Behind us are many fans who not only watch our matches on TV, at the stadium or elsewhere, but also risk their lives to protect our freedom. Every time we put on a T-shirt with the Ukrainian coat of arms, it is a double, if not triple, motivation for us.
First of all, we need to build on our game. We need to show our best football, both individually and as a team. We will treat the Romanian national team in the same way as Slovakia and Belgium, that is, with great respect. Everyone understands that the first game in such tournaments is very important. Because you can get a psychological impulse in it, as well as a physical one. I hope we will be able to achieve a positive result," UEFA.com quoted Zinchenko as saying.