Forward of Kyiv’s “Dynamo U-19” Matviy Ponomarenko commented on his team’s crushing victory in the first match of the 3rd round of the “Champions Path” of the UEFA Youth League against “2 Korriku” (5:0) from Kosovo, where he scored a hat-trick.
Matviy Ponomarenko— Congratulations on a confident victory. What are your impressions?
— Thank you, the impressions are all pleasant and positive. The team gave its all today, the guys did great, and I am very glad that everything turned out this way.
— In terms of emotions on the field, the struggle and tenacity, how difficult was it to fight against the opponent?
— We studied this opponent carefully; we watched theory for two days. The coach told us that this is a very strong team in terms of pressing the ball, they press very well. So, we needed to be ready to win back the ball at all times—only then would everything work for us. That’s how it turned out, and we had many moments from which we scored goals.
— In the first minutes, there was noticeable confusion. Why did it arise?
— It was a bit difficult, probably some nerves. But then the coach advised us on what to do, gave instructions, and the game went on. We scored the first goal, after which we allowed the opponent more opportunities to work with the ball, and we managed to break into counterattacks, and everything worked out for us.
— So, the first goal positively affected the team in terms of emotions?
— Of course, the first scored goal has a big impact. Especially when the team plays against you in a defensive role; if you score a quick goal, the opponent has to open up. We have the opportunity to play on the counterattack, which is much easier for us.
— In the previous match against “Maribor,” there was a double, today a hat-trick. Should we expect a poker in the next match?
— (Laughs). We’ll see how it goes. Undoubtedly, it’s very nice to score a hat-trick. I'm grateful to the team for joining in on this achievement. I will try to keep scoring and bringing joy to the team and to all who support me. I want to repay them with my goals.
— You converted a penalty that you earned earlier. Were there no other candidates to take it? Or did you understand that this was your chance for a hat-trick?
— There was one candidate, Dima Kremlanin. I’m very sorry to him—he really wanted to score, but I also wanted to score very much. (Smiles). I decided to take it myself, especially since I was confident in myself, and it’s good that I managed to score.
— With a five-goal advantage, can you feel confident ahead of the return match?
— Of course, such a lead is hard to overcome, but anything is possible. PSG once beat Barcelona 4:0, and in the return match, they lost and were eliminated from the Champions League. This is football. Therefore, we should not relax; we will go out and play to the end.
