Former forward of Poltava’s Vorskla Sergey Chuychenko shared his impressions of the return match between Kyiv’s Dynamo and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv (1:0) in the playoff round of the Europa League qualification, which took place yesterday in Lublin. Recall that, based on the results of two matches (1:3, 1:0), the Kyiv team failed to advance to the main stage of this tournament and will now compete in the main stage of the Conference League.
Sergey Chuychenko— For every ordinary fan, not to mention experienced specialists, it was clear that in this match the most important thing for “Dynamo” was to score an early goal. And seemingly by magic, this happened. In the absence of Vanat in attack, Kyiv was represented by Guerrero, who did not miss after the cross into Maccabi’s penalty area.
It is clear that this goal lifted our team, and it seemed that if they added a bit, the second goal would not take long to come. However, despite attempts to create something constructive in attack, it was evident that individual skills and teamwork, which has always characterized “Dynamo,” were regrettably lacking.
Moreover, goalkeeper Neshcheret did not look his best. It was noticeable that he was nervous — and this almost cost the team dearly. Veteran Yarmolenko, whose abilities are still relied upon by the fans of the capital team, also did not show his best qualities in the first half of the match. And there was also a sense of disappointment when, shortly before the break, Karavaev missed the goal after a great pass from Buyalsky.
— What would you highlight from the events of the second half?
— In the first fifteen minutes, there was an episode in Dynamo’s defense that almost ended in another mishap. Mikhavko passed the ball to Neshcheret without seeing Madmon. Fortunately, it all worked out, and it did not lead to a goal.
There was also no goal at the opposite end. Throughout the second half of the match, I cannot recall any truly dangerous moment that posed a threat. It was evident that in this game, the same Yarmolenko did not seem to be in his element, and Alexander Shovkovsky replaced him. Along with Bilovar.
As soon as Kabaev and Popov appeared on the field, Dynamo’s play intensified for a time. The first of them added the sharpness that had been lacking until then. But no matter how Kabaev twisted the defenders of Maccabi on the left flank, he did not always find support and understanding.
Another player striving for constructive actions was the captain of the Kyiv team, Buyalsky. However, the Israeli players seemed to have studied their opponent well, so they did not allow him to express himself freely.
Time was passing, Shovkovsky was nervous, but the Dynamo players could not manage to take control of the game and play at the edge of their abilities. The Israelis acted according to the well-known football axiom: “The team played as their opponent allowed them.” It turns out that “Dynamo” allowed “Maccabi” to advance to the next round of the competition.
— Lately, Alexander Shovkovsky’s team does not resemble itself. What do you think is happening with them?
— It’s hard for me to say. Perhaps there are some specifics unknown to the general public. Therefore, to answer this question, one needs to know the situation from the inside. Nevertheless, the Dynamo team needs to draw conclusions from the failures of this European cup season without delay.
Vyacheslav Kulchytsky
