Former Shakhtar and Ukraine striker Andriy Vorobey commented on Dynamo's victory over Rangers in the Champions League 3rd qualifying round return leg.
Andriy Vorobey. Photo: Instagram.com
- Did the first leg's scoreline give either team an advantage?
- Of course, I had faith in Dynamo's progress to the playoffs, but the Glasgow club was a slight favorite. After all, Scottish teams play better at home with the support of their fans than away. I can say this on the example of Shakhtar and Celtic's matches in the Champions League. We played at Celtic Park a couple of times, and I remember it well. The support in Scotland is at the highest level.
- There was one change in the Kyiv starting lineup compared to the match in Lublin. Buyalsky came on the field instead of Pikhalenko. Was it unexpected for you?
- To be honest, it was unexpected. But the head coach has his own vision, and his decision worked for the good of the team. So, Shovkovskyi did everything right.
- How do you like the first half of this match? Did it go with the advantage of Rangers players?
- The hosts started the game. The home fans were driving their favorites forward. Our players withstood the pressure and managed to take control of the ball. Yes, we did not do much in the attack. Our players could not bring the attack to a logical conclusion. And I can't say that there were any scoring chances in the first half, it was about two teams.
- As everyone recognized after the match, the key moment of the game occurred in the 50th minute of the match, when Brazilian Jeffte received a second yellow card for a foul on Karavayev. How did you see this episode?
- I noticed that the Rangers players were too excited - they were constantly fouling, pushing, being rude somewhere. In the first half, they had two yellow cards in the passing game. And at that moment, Jeffete and Karavaev were fighting for the ball. I wouldn't say it was a flagrant foul, but there was contact between the Brazilian's hand and Karavaev's face. It wasn't a clear yellow, but the referee made that decision. VAR does not review yellow cards. The referee is a good man. Ukrainian teams will not always see such refereeing on the road.
- It is clear that Dynamo had the initiative in the second half, but they lacked sharpness in attack. Why?
- In general, Dynamo Kyiv has a well-organized game. In defense, yes. But in attack, they still need to work hard. The players bring the ball to the penalty area, but there is no last pass. And Vanat alone in someone else's penalty area is not enough. Let's see how old Yarmolenko and Buyalsky are. Andriy will soon be 35, Vitaliy is now 31. It's clear that these players can no longer do a lot of work. They ran out of steam and in the second half they lacked strength. There were young players on the bench, and they solved everything.
- Both substitutions proved to be decisive. Goals by Pikhalenko and Voloshyn allowed Dynamo to celebrate the victory...
- Yes. I am especially happy for Sashko Pikhalenko. He is a very talented footballer. And his left foot... With such an understanding of the game, he deserves a place in the starting lineup. Oleksandr replaced Buyalsky in the 75th minute of the match and did not make any loans, did not take offense to anyone, but simply played for the team. He scored a magnificent goal.
When there are 9 players in the Rangers penalty area, you have to shoot from a distance. Pikhalonok did everything at the highest level. His goal was the most important in the match. Immediately after that, Shaparenko and Voloshyn played a great combination at speed and the score was already 2-0 in our favor. But who I do not like at all so far is Lonwijk - he does not understand Dynamo's team play at all.
- Andrii, how do you explain the fact that Dynamo struck the first shot on goal against Butland in the 81st minute of the match, and it was made by defender Mykhavko?
- The tension of the match was at the highest level, and our team had problems in attacking. Only after Pikhalenko's goal did we start to constantly put pressure on the home keeper. I will say that Vanat has not yet been able to prove himself in European competitions. Although it is difficult for him to find the moment for the final shot, especially when there are several opposing defenders near you.
- The press writes a lot about the interest of Dynamo's managers in Zorya striker Guerrero. Would the Panamanian forward strengthen the capital's team?
- I think he would significantly strengthen Dynamo's attack. Eduardo is one of the strongest strikers in the UPL. He is familiar with Ukrainian football, he scores a lot and has good technique and explosive speed. In the fall, Kyiv will play either 8 matches in the Champions League group or 8 games in the Europa League group. Therefore, Shovkovsky's team needs to strengthen.
Today we see only two newcomers to Dynamo - Pikhalenko and Bragara. By the way, 22-year-old Maxim Bragaru is a good dribbling player, but he needs time to get used to the requirements of his new team.
- The playoff round and the battle with Austrian Salzburg are ahead. What are Dynamo's chances of getting past the Austrian silver medalist?
- I know that Salzburg did not become the champion of their country for the first time in 11 years. Of course, Salzburg is stronger than Rangers. Before the first match, the chances of the two teams are equal. We need to make every effort and skill to beat Salzburg. Oleksandr Shovkovskyi's men have a good chance of returning to the strongest tournament in the Old World.
