Dynamo Kyiv and Ukraine midfielder Mykola Shaparenko, who was named UEFA's best player of the 2nd round of the Euro 2024 group stage match against Slovakia (2-1), commented on the match.
Mykola Shaparenko"I want to say that the first game, against Romania, was a lesson for us, we needed to rehabilitate. This is an important mental thing. Every player who came on the field followed the instructions of the coach, who gave us advice on how to act against the Slovak national team. We tried to show our best football.
When we equalized, it gave the team momentum and inspiration. It was like we got a second wind, new strength and desire. The support from the fans at the stadium was very good, and we are very grateful to them. They pushed us forward. All we had to do was play and believe in victory.
What do you think of Mircea Lucescu's words that the Ukrainian national team can play in the semifinals at the Euros? I've just had a conversation with him, and he congratulated our team on the victory. Of course, this is his vision. And we must fulfill our role on the field, give ourselves to the game one hundred percent. What happens next depends only on us.
Is there pressure on our team? It is always there and will be, and we have to deal with it. If we could not cope with it, we would not be here," said Mykola Shaparenko.
