On August 13, Dynamo Kyiv will play away to Rangers in the second leg of the Champions League qualifying round. A week ago, a productive draw was recorded in Lublin - 1:1. Former Ukraine and Dynamo player Vasyl Kardash shared his expectations for today's match in Scotland:
- I won't be original when I say that Dynamo will face a very tough match. We can predict that the hosts will go forward with great force from the first minutes, so it is important not to concede in the opener. Moreover, it would be ideal if Kyiv surprised the hosts with a quick goal.
- In the second half in Lublin, Dynamo didn't look like themselves, and in the end, the guests punished them for their passivity, escaping defeat in stoppage time.
- I can't say that after the break Kyiv were focused only on maintaining the winning score. I am convinced that there was also a setup for quick counterattacks. Another thing is that the transition from defense to offense was not always successful. And in the power struggle that the guests imposed on Dynamo, it is difficult to surpass them.
- So, today a lot will depend on whether Kyiv will be able to demonstrate their football.
- That's exactly right. We must try to play down low as often as possible, act clearly in the selection and use vertical passes. Dynamo's advantage in mobility should also be evident.
- In your opinion, will veteran Andriy Yarmolenko start from the first minutes, since Kyiv has faster players?
- Now at Dynamo, Yarmolenko has the role of a leader who can unite the team and lead in difficult times. As for me, Andriy should be in the starting lineup.
- Won't the home advantage be a decisive factor today?
- I don't think so, after all, there are many players with considerable international experience among Dynamo's players, and they won't be scared by the support of 12 players. Kyiv must be ready for the onslaught of the hosts, they must act clearly with safety net and reliably on the "second floor". I repeat, if Kyiv play in their own style, will be unyielding in martial arts, they will be able to achieve the desired result.
Dmytro Verbynskyi