Former Dynamo Kyiv defender Taras Mykhalik shared his impressions of the quarterfinal matches of Euro-2024, and also told what he expects from the semifinals of the tournament.
- It is only regrettable that the paths of the hosts and the Spaniards crossed at such an early stage. This match justified the status of a small final. The Germans gave a fight to the Spaniards, who are now showing stability, delighting with spectacular play, when each performer clearly knows his maneuver. But the lack of proper concentration at the end of the match cost the Germans the second conceded goal.
- In your opinion, those national teams that made it to the semifinals deserved it?
- I think so. Moreover, before the start of Euro 2024, most experts predicted that these teams would make it to the main quartet. Another thing is that the French and the English did not lose thanks to the soccer lottery, but to win in the penalty shootout, you need to show the highest individual skill. In general, we have what we have.
- You have already singled out the Spaniards for a meaningful game, but what do you think of the Netherlands-Turkey match, where the winner was also decided in regulation time?
- I liked the Netherlands, because after conceding first, they managed to regroup and tipped the scales to their side. The Turks also helped them in this, as they started to play early to keep the score, which allowed the opponents to take advantage of their home work in standard positions.
- Apart from the Spaniards, who else are you remembered for their meaningful actions?
- The Swiss. This is exactly the team where you can feel the coach's hand. Murat Yakin's charges are well-trained, skillfully used several tactical schemes even during one match. It's a pity that in the penalty shootout luck was on the side of the English, who have not impressed so far.
- Who do you favor among the semifinal pairs?
- Spain and England.
- But the Spanish will not be helped in the battle with the French by a whole group of key players for various reasons.
- No big deal, they have a long bench. Here in the quarterfinal match with the Germans Olmo came on as a substitute and made, as they say, the game: he has a goal and an efficient pass.
Dmitry Verbinsky