Former defender of Kyiv’s Dynamo and the Ukrainian national team Taras Mikhalik shared his impressions of the match in the final, 6th round of the Nations League group stage Albania – Ukraine (1:2), and also expressed that he would not like to see Belgium in the opponents of the Ukrainian national team in the playoff of the tournament.
“I liked that our team won, continuing the fight for a spot in Division 'A' of the Nations League, and the image of Ukrainian football remained intact. On the other hand, I am worried that there were again two different halves: in the first — complete dominance, in the second — a game of nerves. The Albanians managed to regain the initiative, reduced the deficit to a minimum, but fortunately, it turned out alright.
I am glad that the coach Sergey Rebrov did not miscalculate with the rotation. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Roman Yaremchuk started after a long break and justified the expectations. Their goals at the beginning of the match served, figuratively speaking, as a solid foundation for such a needed victory. The recent matches in the Nations League showed that now the coaching staff has practically two equally strong squads at their disposal.
The debut of Ivan Kaliuzhny, Oleksandr Nazarenko, and Oleksii Sych should be recognized as successful. The intensification of competition for a place in the starting lineup will only contribute to optimal preparation, both in official matches and in training. Thus, there are options for maneuvering.
As for the March confrontation of Ukrainians in the playoff matches for a spot in Division ‘A’, everyone has their own point of view. I would not like to face the Belgium team. I agree, in recent matches they have slowed down, but that should not deceive. At the right moment, the Belgians can strike, as they have enough quality performers,” said Mikhalik.