Oleksandr Zinchenko: "Games like the one with Romania do happen"

Ukraine's midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko told us what he expects from the 2nd round of the Euro 2024 group stage match against Slovakia, which will take place tomorrow in Düsseldorf.

"Games like the one with Romania do happen. It's better not to say anything. However, I am convinced that everyone made the right conclusions and learned something, both individually and as a team. But I don't want to talk about this game. I want to look ahead to the match with Slovakia. We need to prepare ourselves for the game.

We expect a very tough match against a powerful team that defends and attacks together. Tomorrow there will be battles on every part of the field, and the team that wins these battles will win.

We all work and we all dream. We would not be here if we did not believe in ourselves. It is better to do more and talk less. Of course, we believe, but first we have to do something on the field.

Is it difficult for us to adjust? It is difficult for those who are now defending our country at the risk of their lives. That's why we are triple motivated. But I don't want to say much, because I understand how these words are perceived after the result that happened. There is always motivation, and now more than ever. We need to forget this nightmare and re-adjust, draw the right conclusions. I am sure everyone has made them. We need to go out on the field and give our all for the sake of the result," Zinchenko said during the pre-match press conference.