Former Dynamo Kyiv midfielder Serhiy Kovalets shared his impressions of the return match of his former team with Scottish Rangers (2:0) in the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League, and also assessed the prospects of the Bilo-Syni in the confrontation with Austrian Salzburg at the next stage of the tournament.
Sergey Kovalets- I congratulate Dynamo fans, management, coaching staff and all Ukrainians on the good game of the team and the victory. Yes, it was not easy, because Rangers played in front of their own fans, who were fervently supporting their team.
Right after the first game I said that in the return match I estimated Dynamo's chances higher: 51% to 49%. Many people were surprised at that time, because they thought that the Scots would play better at home and leave no chance for Kyiv.
In my opinion, tactically Oleksandr Shovkovskiy outplayed Rangers coach Philippe Clement. When the opponent controlled the ball, Brazhko dropped lower and Dynamo switched to the game with three central defenders. Kyivians competently built the game and did not let them create almost any really scoring chances. They controlled the ball, did not concede in the fight, acted well on rebounds.
- Who would you mark personally in Kyiv team?
- I liked the game in general. The way the edge defenders connected, how useful Brazhko played in the middle of the field. Mikhavko looked confident - he played well ahead of the ball, joined the midfield, gave the first pass. Kabaev tried to do his best... The whole team made a good gift to our country.
I also note the successful substitutions, all players successfully entered the game. Pihalenok and Voloshin scored goals, but Bragaru and Bilovar also contributed. They played very well, they strengthened the game.
- The hosts were dissatisfied with the refereeing, and how do you assess the work of the referee?
- The Italian referee withstood the pressure, did not give in to the provocations of dirty play of the Scottish team players. There were a lot of hidden blows, they stepped on their feet, they wanted to intimidate Dynamo players. There was also pressure from the local fans, but we must give credit to the referee, who stopped it all and the suspension was just from the category when the opponents' players used foul techniques. It is important that Dynamo players did not respond to provocations.
- There is one step left to the group stage of the Champions League. The next opponent is Austrian Salzburg. What are your expectations from this confrontation?
- "Salzburg" - one of the best clubs in Austria, which has a lot of foreigners. But taking into account the soccer and dedication Dynamo is showing now, this opponent is not impassable. The chances before the first match are 50% to 50%.
I expect Austrian-German soccer, with a lot of fighting, power combats, aggression and speed. "Salzburg", in my opinion, is stronger than "Rangers" in terms of game management, tactical flexibility. But this team is also within Dynamo's capabilities.
Anatoliy Yashchenko
