Andriy Lunin: «Somehow it was lacking a bit. We will draw conclusions»

The goalkeeper of the Ukrainian national team Andriy Lunin commented on the defeat of our national team by Belgium in the second leg of the Nations League playoff on the broadcaster's air.

— What are your emotions after this unfortunate defeat?

— Yes, it was very disappointing, considering the result of the first game. We were certainly hoping to advance further. We understood that it would be very difficult, a completely different game, but, probably, in certain moments, we physically fell behind, couldn't keep up. They scored two goals, ahead of our defenders by half a meter. We need to look globally, to the future. It's very disappointing. We wanted to win, wanted to please our people. Somehow it was lacking a bit.

— When did this turning point happen, when the guys seemed to fall apart a bit? After the first conceded goal?

— I wouldn't say that anyone fell apart. It seemed to me that after conceding the first and second goals, I won’t say we started controlling the game, but we became more aggressive. Perhaps it's the same story as with the Belgian national team — they lost the first game, they had nothing to lose, and they were aggressive until 2:0, they were running, pressuring. They had nothing to lose.

When we were losing 0:2, you could say the game was even, we had nothing to lose. We started having some moments, it seems to me that Vitalii Tsygankov had a moment, Artem could have scored with his head. We need to analyze it, we shouldn't let ourselves be scored on, and then start creating danger. We defended quite well, organized, held on for 70 minutes. We didn't manage to hold on completely. If we had capitalized on at least one of our chances, the game would have changed as well.

— Belgium changed their lineup, notably Thibaut Courtois was absent.

— Yes, I said we perfectly understood: the second game would be drastically different from the first. We prepared for this. Unfortunately, I can’t say much now… Of course, I want to apologize to the fans. We had great support, a lot of people — that was very nice. Everyone saw that the guys gave their all, no one held back, everyone was running, defending, trying to counter-attack. Unfortunately, we have what we have.

— What’s the atmosphere in the locker room? What conclusions should the team make?

— I haven't been in the locker room yet, but of course everyone is upset. Conclusions… Certainly, we will make them. Analyze, figure things out. We understand that our goal is to qualify for the World Cup. The last games were very informative, certain conclusions will be drawn. Belgium is a top opponent. Very good players. Of course, we aimed to play against such teams.