Former midfielder of Kyiv «Dynamo» and the Ukrainian national team Sergiy Mizin commented on the playoff match of the Nations League, in which the national team of Ukraine triumphed over the Belgians 3:1 in Spanish Murcia.
Sergiy Mizin— I actually thought that the goalkeeper position would be entrusted to Anatoliy Trubin. But coach Sergiy Rebrov decided otherwise. It is possible that he preferred Andriy Lunin, believing that the arrival of Belgium’s goalkeeper Courtois, for whom he is a backup at «Real», would stimulate him to play his best. In any case, the main thing is that Lunin did not let us down.
— Yesterday in Murcia, there were two different halves. Before the break, the Belgians dominated, but then the situation on the field changed drastically. What helped the Ukrainians to get back into the game?
— It seems that the goal by Oleksiy Hutsulyak after a gross mistake by the opposing defender threw the opponent off balance. It turned out that the Belgians not only struggle to withstand the pressure, but they also have problems with physical condition. Our players became more aggressive in challenging the opponent near their goal, making it more difficult for them to escape the pressing. Moreover, Rebrov guessed right with the substitutions. I can’t even recall that right away two of our «fresh» players scored goals. In a word, the Ukrainians demonstrated how they can play; now it's important to prove in two days in Genk that it wasn't a coincidence.
— Unfortunately, yesterday due to injuries, the Ukrainian team was left without two right defenders — Yukhym Konoplia and Oleksiy Sych. What would you advise in this situation to Sergiy Rebrov?
— As I said, the situation is critical. Because Oleksandr Zinchenko once again proved his versatility, effectively playing in an unusual position for himself. I believe he will meet expectations in Genk as well. However, if it were up to me, I would have applied for Ilya Krupsky, who is currently in Turkey as part of the youth national team of Ukraine.
— Most experts in this pair favored the Belgians. How do you assess the rivals' chances now?
— Yesterday, the opponent failed in defense, but I am convinced they will work on their mistakes. The Belgians only lost the battle, not the war, and they will try to rehabilitate themselves in their home ground. So we need to be cautious with them. However, after the impressive second half by the Ukrainian team in Murcia, their chances for overall success have significantly increased.
