Former Ukrainian national team player Andriy Polunin shared his impressions of the match of the 2nd round of the Nations League Czech Republic - Ukraine (3:2).
Andrei Polunin- I analyzed the starting lineup of the Ukrainian national team and caught myself thinking that somewhere this has already happened: lack of stability, bad first halves, terrible mistakes in defense, that again we are driving ourselves into a deadlock, from which we are desperately trying to get out. In recent years, this is already a trend for the Ukrainian national team.
- And yet, compared to the first match with Albania, have you noticed any shifts for the better?
- Everyone expected a total advantage of the hosts on the "second floor". It did not happen thanks to a reliable backup at their goal. Moreover, Vladislav Vanat and Georgi Sudakov scored with their heads, and once again the crossbar became the Czechs' ally after Ilya Zabarny won an aerial duel.
The second positive point is that our team increased in intensity and in the last 20 minutes dictated the conditions and had every chance to save themselves from defeat. So everything was in order with functional preparation.
Where did we step on the same rake? In defense, when we did not meet the opponent, but limited ourselves to the role of an observer. It was especially noticeable when the hosts scored for the second time, although the home team's shot could have been safely blocked.
- Despite yesterday's defeat, can you single out anyone among the Ukrainians?
- Mykhailo Mudryk was quite active, but his efficiency was miserable. We are talking about his shots, which lacked accuracy, and his passes to his partners, which often did not find their destination. If anyone can be praised, it is Viktor Tsygankov, who came on as a substitute at the end of the game, but managed to assist Georgiy Sudakov, and two more of his targeted passes were not used by the guests.
However, in soccer a game lasts at least 90 minutes of the main time and the one who demonstrates balance and intransigence in achieving the goal takes the upper hand. This is what the Georgians are doing in the Nations League, and their dedication can only be envied.
- In the next round it is the victory over the Georgians that can help the Ukrainians to keep their place in the Nations League B.
- To challenge the Georgian national team of the current model, we need, first of all, to demonstrate character, because it is united, it has a wonderful microclimate, which is the merit of the coaching staff. There are also leaders who take over the game in a difficult moment. That's exactly what we have problems with.
Our team has nowhere to retreat. In October, only those who are in the best shape should go into battle. We can still make up for lost time. However, in case of defeat against the Georgians, relegation will become a reality.
- After two consecutive defeats in the media there was a whole discussion about changes on the coaching bridge of the Ukrainian national team.
- Is there anyone to replace Serhiy Rebrov? Perhaps Myron Markevych with his ability to find a common language with "stars". But I am convinced that it will not come to resignation, although it is felt that Serhiy Rebrov needs more qualified assistants.
Oleg Didukh
