Famous manager and expert Vyacheslav Zakhovailo shared his impressions from the match of the 5th round of the Nations League 2024/25 Georgia — Ukraine (1:1), which took place yesterday in Batumi.
“The starting lineup of the Ukrainian national team was predictable. However, changes in the structure of the game occurred. Shaparenko, together with Brazhko, played in the positions of defensive midfielders. Sudakov was positioned higher and to the left. I can rather exaggeratedly call his role on the field a ‘free artist’. At least in defensive actions, Sudakov was passive. Does this mean that Sergey Rebrov decided to move away from a deep defensive block? I don’t think so... I’m sure that his decision was influenced by Khvicha’s presence on the field, with his style of play and movements towards the center.
The weather conditions were inconvenient for both teams. It was initially difficult to expect a vibrant game. In my opinion, problems for the Ukrainian national team began in the fifth minute when Zubkov received a yellow card. It was noticeable that after that, he began to play very passively and cautiously in defensive actions; in other words, he faded out. His substitution was already being called for by the 30th minute.
In the first half, the Georgian national team completely dominated our right flank at will. They managed to score an early goal. Mudryk showcased his best quality — speed in open space. In my view, Mikhail is the only player in the team capable of really intensifying the game at the opponent's goal.
I don’t like to make comments regarding the coaching staff. With the substitutions, Sergey Stanislavovich completely missed the mark. The substitutions didn’t strengthen the game, but weakened it. The only exception was Yaremchuk, who created a 100% goal-scoring chance for his teammates. Dovbik definitely didn’t help us today.
The hero of today’s match is rightfully the goalkeeper of the Georgian national team Mamardashvili. I have a fondness for Georgian football.
Wishing everyone goodness! Glory to Ukraine!”, — Zakhovailo wrote on his Facebook page.