A graduate of “Dnipro” and one of the brightest Ukrainian forwards of recent decades, Oleksiy Antonov recalled his performances for the national team of Ukraine.
Oleksiy Antonov— In the summer of 2011, Oleksiy Antonov received his first call-up to the Ukrainian national team. How did you find out and what did you feel?
— I can hardly remember exactly how I found out; someone from “Dnipro” said that I was called up.
The emotions were incredible. I think every footballer dreams of playing for the national team, so the first call-up was a real emotional uplift for me.
— How did you plan to win the competition in the national team?
— At that time, there were real stars in the national team: Shevchenko, Voronin, Milevsky, Devich, Seleznyov. So for me, the call-up was a great achievement and at the same time an opportunity that I had to take advantage of.
— Tell us about your matches for the national team.
— I played in two. In the first one — I came on as a substitute (0:1 against Sweden in 2011), in the second one — I started (2:1 against Nigeria in 2014). I debuted at the “Metalist” stadium. Kharkiv is a special city for me: debut in the national team, career revival, and later as a coach — leading “Chornomorets” in the UPL.
— A lucky city?
— Absolutely. Both as a player and as a coach — key moments of my football life happened in Kharkiv.
— Were you intimidated in the company of Voronin, Shevchenko, and others?
— The atmosphere in the national team was easy and comfortable. I was amazed by players like Voronin, Shevchenko, and Milevsky — these are real stars. I was a bit nervous and embarrassed, but just being around them felt special.
Oleg Blokhin noticed my tension and invited me for a conversation. He said: “Don’t worry, just play your football, calmly.” After these words, I gained confidence, and I am very grateful to him for that.
Igor Lysenko
