Famous Ukrainian coach Oleksandr Babych shared his impressions of the Euro 2024 quarterfinals and what he expects from the tournament semifinals.
Oleksandr Babych. Photo by Yuriy Yuriev- "Each match of the Euro 2024 quarterfinals was very cautious, and three of them ended in extra time," Babych said. " In all the matches we saw an equal struggle, but there was also intrigue. In general, of course, I would like to see more open attacking football, but given the price of each game, the teams preferred other tactics. I expected more from France and England, and at the same time, the Spaniards exceeded all expectations.
- Which of the quarterfinal matches did you like the most?
- The intriguing match between England and Switzerland. Once again, I was impressed by the English ability to get out of the most difficult situation. And in terms of content - the meeting between Germany and Spain. The Germans showed very organized and purposeful football. With the score at 1-1, I thought that now Nagelsmann's team would add to it and decide everything in their favor, but... Of course, I feel sorry for Kroos, but such moments come sooner or later, and young people replace veterans. Without a doubt, the departure from the Euro is a very tangible blow to the German national team, which many, including me, saw at least in the final of Euro 2024.
- After the Ukrainian national team was eliminated, are you rooting for any team at the European Championships?
- Yes, I have been rooting for France for years. This team has a championship squad for every tournament. However, at Euro 2024, the French do not show a quality game, maybe the opponents have already studied all the maneuvers of Deschamps' team well and adapted to this.
- There are also disappointments about the performance of Mbappe and Griezmann...
- Yes, unfortunately, it's true. As for Mbappe, I think the main reason for his performance is his injury. But we must not forget that the potential of each individual Frenchman, and the French national team as a whole, is enormous, and they can add at any time. Perhaps Deschamps hasn't forced the preparation so far, meaning that the coaching work is structured in such a way as to bring France to its peak in the semifinals and possible finals of the European Championship.
- The Portuguese national team could not go further because Ronaldo and Pepe are no longer the same?
- They did not fail this Euro. Pepe played at his level. But Ronaldo no longer has enough speed, and we certainly expected more from him. It became much easier for opposing defenders to close Cristiano. Football consists of important little things, and it was in these things that Ronaldo was inferior to his opponents. In addition, I believe that this Euro was the last major tournament for Modric. Their time has passed.
- Could Turkey and Switzerland have done better?
- The Turks were a pleasant surprise, but the Swiss showed a more meaningful game in the quarterfinals of the 2024 European Championship. I was personally interested in watching the work of the head coach of the Swiss national team Murat Yakin. However, I must admit that the 1/4 finals are the ceiling for these teams.
- Before the start of Euro 2024, could you imagine such a lineup of semifinalists?
- I realized that France, Germany, or Spain were quite capable of reaching the 1/2 finals. The real surprise for me was the Netherlands. I can't say that the Dutch play systematically... They pull out matches due to the individual actions of their leaders, those who lead the Orange team.
- After the 1/4 finals, can you call any player the discovery of the tournament?
- For me, it's definitely Yamal. He's a performer with a very unconventional game. I also liked the football played by the Turk Güler. In general, young people rule the roost at this championship! A number of stars were expected to do great things, and they received a lot of attention, but they are in the shadows. But young players are knocking loudly on the door, and this tournament is a turning point, a line beyond which a massive generational change will take place.
- What to expect from the Euro 2024 semifinals?
- England and France will reach the final. In my opinion, the Dutch national team has already reached its limit and is not capable of more. As for the French, they desperately need to add aggressiveness and substance to their attack. I believe that the Spain-France match will be equal, but the French, due to their experience at this level, will be able to break the Spanish game and cut off the oxygen to their leader, Yamal.
- Who is the best player in this tournament and, accordingly, deserves to become the champion?
- Spain, if they knock out France. A victory over Deschamps' team will bring the Spaniards to a new, higher level. But in major tournaments, it often happens that the old class, conservatism, wins. Therefore, I will not deprive the national teams of France and England, which reached the semifinals for a reason, of the chance to win at Euro 2024.
Oleg Semenchenko
