Former midfielder of Dynamo Kyiv and the Ukrainian national team, and now a well-known coach Serhiy Kovalets, shared his thoughts on the Euro 2024 group stage match between Slovakia and Ukraine.
Sergiy Kovalets"In my opinion, the opponent was underestimated against Romania. Before the game, experts and the press of many countries gave a clear victory to the Ukrainian national team, which probably played a cruel joke on our team. And during the match itself, it was difficult to change anything.
As a coach, I will say banal, but at the same time correct words: it is important to analyze this defeat, draw the right conclusions and approach the match with much greater desire and aspiration for Slovakia.
There are two matches ahead for the Ukrainian national team, and despite the defeat in the first round, the fate of reaching the playoffs is still in our hands. We need to keep this in mind and prepare for the next game.
Of course, there will be at least three or four changes in the starting lineup. Serhii Rebrov will give other players a chance. I do not interfere with the work of the coaching staff, but they asked for substitutions during the break of the game with Romania. However, we believe in the national team's coaching staff, all of them are qualified specialists. There are two finals ahead - Ukraine can win them.
Before the first game, almost everyone was betting on the victory of the Ukrainian national team. But after such a slap in the face and the Slovakians' win in Belgium, it's hard to predict now. However, I believe that the team clearly understands that our country is at war, and in such circumstances, Ukrainians really need positive emotions - a 1-2 victory for the Blue and Yellows," Kovalets said.
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