Former Dynamo Kyiv defender Vladyslav Vashchuk told us what he expects from his former team's return match against Scottish side Rangers in the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League to be held today in Glasgow.
Vladyslav Vashchuk. Photo by FootBoom- Vladyslav Viktorovych, the first match of the confrontation had a large number of chances created by both teams, but ended only with a score of 1:1. Do you think this result was fair at the end of the game?
- No, of course not, because Dynamo could have won much more in this match. We played a very good game, and there was no sign of that Rangers team on the field. But that's what makes football different from other sports, that you have to play to the last second. And, of course, a club like Rangers is able to produce a result even when there is no corresponding level of play.
- What did the team lack to keep the winning score?
- The wing and center backs lacked experience. The center of defense is a real problem for Dynamo. Somewhere, the defenders missed a moment, held the ball a little too long. Before that, everything was going well in the game, but then for some reason they gave the initiative to the opponent. I can't even say why.
- Whose fault, in your opinion, is it that you conceded a goal in the last minutes?
- The head coach is analyzing this, he knows the situation better in such moments. I don't think there is any need to blame anyone. We just need to move on - there will be another game, and we need to win it.
- Did you like any of the newcomers to the White and Blue team in the game?
- Pikhalonok plays at his level, shows a good game. He sees the pitch well and moves correctly, but I can't say that he stands out from the rest of Dynamo's players. Still, Dynamo is stronger in teamwork. This applies to both offensive and defensive players.
- Taking into account the rotation for the match against Veres, how do you see Dynamo's starting lineup for the return game against Rangers?
- Everything will depend on who is ready at that time. Players undergo a medical examination and then the team decides how physically ready they are. So I can't make a forecast about the lineup. Back when I played, Lobanovskyi had one lineup for all matches, with only one or two players changing, but in general, the "start" remained the same.
- Should we expect Tymchyk, who has just recovered from injury, in the starting 11?
- First of all, we need him to play at least one more game so that the magician can work on the field to the fullest. I believe that Oleksandr Volodymyrovych (Shovkovskyi - ed.) sees the situation better and knows better what is going on with Tymchyk.
- How important will the factor of local fans, who are known for their incredible support, be in Glasgow?
- When you don't play in front of full houses all the time, you miss it a little bit. I can't say for sure how the atmosphere of the stands will affect Dynamo's game, but this factor is very important. First of all, football is played for the fans. For example, I really missed the matches when the stands are full, because it motivates the players on the field to run even harder and play even harder.
- What are the main factors that can help Dynamo get the desired result in this game?
- If Dynamo plays like they did in the first match - with constant control of the ball, quick transition from defense to attack, and reliable defense - the team will score the necessary goals and move on.
- You wouldn't single out anyone individually, because it's the team play that should be the key factor, right?
- You see, in a team game, someone's individual qualities are always manifested. Someone can pass the ball, someone can score, but the main reason for all successful results is team play. I have to say that in the first match, Dynamo did a lot of things well. If not for that late goal...
- What mistakes of the first match should be avoided in the match in Scotland?
- The main mistake of the first match was a missed goal in the last minutes. You have to play with concentration until the referee blows the final whistle. You also need to better realize scoring chances and not be afraid of the opponent.
- Have you noticed any moments in the game in which Rangers are inferior to Kyiv?
- Rangers players make a lot more mistakes when they are under pressure from Dynamo players. That's why I think that from the very beginning of the game we need to put pressure on Rangers players, because they are not very good at controlling the ball.
- What is your prediction for this match?
- I will only support Dynamo. I can't give you an exact forecast, but I want Dynamo to go further.
Yevhen Chepur
