On September 10, the Ukrainian national football team will play the second match of the Nations League in Prague - against the Czechs. Veres' sporting director Yurii Gabovda, who finished his career as a footballer with the famous Dukla Prague, told Sport.ua about the strength of today's opponent of Serhii Rebrov's team and advised how our guys should play to tip the scales in their favor:
- First of all, I am convinced that the Czech and Ukrainian national teams have already drawn conclusions after their initial failures and will try to demonstrate their best qualities today.
- Then in your opinion, why is today's opponent of our guys dangerous?
- The Czechs act in a forceful manner, use long passes, and try to impose a tough fight on the opponent. Therefore, it is important to be unyielding in martial arts. The Czechs also have home-made set pieces in their arsenal when playing standard positions, throwing in outs, because the grenadiers Soucek and Schick are skillful on the second floor. That's why our guys need to be as focused as possible.
Although recently the Czechs' game has become more diverse. It is evident that many players play not only in England but also in foreign clubs with a different style.
- What can help the Ukrainians fight a persistent opponent who, after the defeat in Tbilisi, will try to rehabilitate at home?
- Our main "trump cards" are faster decision-making on the football field, in high-speed maneuvers. It is important to establish a passing game in order to instantly switch from defense to offense and use the space near the home team's possession.
- After the failure with the Albanians, will there be any changes in the Ukrainian team?
- I think they will be minimal. It is possible that Taras Stepanenko and Mykhailo Mudryk will start. Although it is difficult to predict anything when you are outside the national team. Therefore, we can only hope that Serhii Rebrov will make the right choice.
- What can you say about the fans of the Czech national team?
- The match will take place at the Eden Arena, Slavia's club stadium. The fans of this team are very noisy, and they are also responsible for the recent successes of the Prague team in the international arena. There is adequate support at home and in the Czech national team, but we should not forget that today there will be a lot of Ukrainian fans at the stadium, and I think that our 12th player will not let us down.
- Then finally, can you make a prediction for today's match in Prague?
- If the Ukrainians demonstrate their best qualities and offset the Czechs' strengths, they will win 2-1.
Oleg Didukh