One of the well-known personalities in our football, the quarterfinal matches of the Ukrainian Cup sparked particular interest, as two teams he played for were involved. The focus is on Viktor Khlus, who was invited from Chernivtsi Bukovyna to Kyiv Dynamo after the 1979 season.
In this cup stage, Bukovyna triumphed over Sumy Victoria (2:1), while Dynamo defeated Lviv Ruh (1:0). Khlus was also touched by two other matches, in which Oleksandriya lost at home to Donetsk Shakhtar (0:1), and Rivne Veres lost at home to Zhytomyr Polissya (0:1). He shared this with a correspondent from Sport.ua.
Viktor Khlus
— In Chernivtsi, there was a true football celebration, as Bukovyna made it to the quarterfinals of the Ukrainian Cup for the first time in its history, — he said. — And it should be noted that the hosts looked more convincing than "Victoria". They played diligently, made an effort, and the fans pushed the team forward. It is nice to note that Bukovyna deserved the victory and rightfully made it to the semifinals. The match in Lviv was truly a cup game, in which both teams demonstrated good football. "Ruh" in this match was not quite itself, especially at the end of the second half.
Trailing 0:1, the Lviv team stepped up their game and even had several opportunities to score. Unfortunately, they did not convert them. Overall, I liked both teams: in the first half, Dynamo played well, and in the second half — Ruh. If there had been a draw in Lviv, both in regular and extra time, it would have been fairer. Everything would have been decided in a penalty shootout — it would have been an unpredictable lottery. As for the match between "Oleksandriya" and "Shakhtar", it was interesting to observe the performances of our leaders.
I can say that the Donetsk team looked a bit more convincing. Therefore, the score of 1:0 in their favor is indeed a fair outcome for this meeting. In the "Veres" — "Polissya" match, which took place simultaneously with the one in Lviv, the battle was quite interesting and, most importantly, fiercely contested. In general, games between the teams from Rivne and Zhytomyr are known for their tough competition, as it is a derby for the Polissians.
There were many fans of both clubs at this meeting, which added a special charm. It was the same in this match. The hosts felt disappointment when, in the third minute of stoppage time, the Zhytomyr team managed to score a goal, which became the only one in the meeting. There was a cross from the flank, which the Uruguayan legionnaire Batisti managed to finish. This player has become a valuable acquisition for Polissya, as he scores with enviable regularity.
— The draw for the semifinals of the Ukrainian Cup took place the day before, which formed two pairs: "Bukovyna" — "Dynamo" and "Polissya" — "Shakhtar". What are your expectations for these matches?
— The cup duel at this stage will also take place in a single match, so if the game goes well for Bukovyna, there will indeed be much to see. But if the Chernivtsi team concedes in the first half, it might "fall apart". However, there would be nothing surprising in this, as it is a cup game, and as they say, anything can happen.
In the other semifinal, two worthy opponents will play. Interestingly, "Polissya" has taken points from "Shakhtar" twice in the championship, so this meeting will have special significance for the miners. It is not only a chance for revenge for two defeats in the season, but also for a spot in the final of the Ukrainian Cup. Whoever gets to play in the decisive match, which, by the way, will take place in Zhytomyr, both opponents deserve it. The important thing is that everything goes smoothly in football, and the referees do not interfere in this match.
Andriy Pyssarenko
