Former midfielder of the Ukraine national team Oleg Shelaev shared his expectations for the matches of the qualifying tournament for the World Cup 2026 Iceland — Ukraine and Ukraine — Azerbaijan.
— Unfortunately, the players of the Ukraine national team have recently accustomed their fans to the fact that they get themselves into difficult situations and then make tremendous efforts to rectify the situation, but this does not always succeed. I hope this time we will avoid point losses because what is at stake is qualifying for the final part of the most prestigious competition of the four-year cycle. Indeed, the situation has come to the point where there is no turning back. Therefore, I am convinced that Sergey Rebrov’s wards understand this perfectly and will not only demonstrate all their skills but will also be as motivated as possible.
— The national team has faced personnel losses ahead of the upcoming international exams. How serious are they?
— Unfortunately, we will really miss Alexander Zinchenko and Viktor Tsygankov — creative players who were capable of taking the game upon themselves when needed. I hope that Yegor Yarmolyuk will be able to help, and that his injury will not be serious. Although I won’t hide it: under such circumstances, our midfield raises concerns, especially since it has been our «trump card» in recent years. We can only hope that Sergey Rebrov won’t miss with the choices for those who will replace the injured players.
— There are also problems with the forwards: Roman Yaremchuk is injured, and Artem Dobvik lacks sufficient playing practice at the club level.
— I think it’s time for Vladyslav Vanat to show himself. He is currently in good playing form, and his scoring performances for Spanish Girona will help him express himself in the national team as well.
— What can be said about our next opponent — the Icelanders?
— After many years of absence, Iceland again has a capable national team. It’s important that the current generation plays a more diverse style of football. Whereas before, the Icelanders relied somewhat on a straightforward English style, now thanks to legionnaires playing for famous European clubs, they have several tactical schemes at their disposal and have leaders as well. Nonetheless, I tend to believe that our team will be able to tip the balance in their favor — 1:0, which will significantly increase their chances of securing second place in the group.
— But for this, it is necessary to win against the Azerbaijanis in Krakow on October 13.
— In Baku, our team managed to gift the opponent two points; I don’t think it will come to such extravagance again. Because then the value of the victory in Reykjavik would be diminished. In Poland, the Ukrainians will prevail 2:0 and will be in a better tournament position before the final qualifying matches.
Maxim Koavlenko