Former midfielder of «Karpaty», «Minaj» and other clubs Mykhailo Kopolovets commented on the Ukrainian national team’s victory in the match against Iceland in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Mykhailo Kopolovets (photo: footballhub.com.ua)
— Mykhailo, are you satisfied with the Ukrainian national team’s victory?
— Of course, I’m satisfied. The guys did well, showed character, and scored many goals. We saw that the team can play. And what about that Iceland? We looked — and what, is our team weaker than them? No. Although before the game many talked about Iceland’s strength. It is understandable when we draw with Azerbaijan, any opponent seems strong. But we can and should beat such teams, which we proved.
— What did you like most about the team’s game?
— First and foremost, Ruslan Malinovskyi’s performance. I said before the match that he is the most underrated and unrealized player of the Ukrainian national team. Unfortunately, he initially had a conflict in the team, then an injury. But he proved that he is a strong football player and can be one of the leaders.
Secondly, I liked the overall dedication. The guys were determined, playing not for the coaches and not for themselves, but for the whole country. Well done. Yes, our players don’t like criticism, but how can you not criticize when you draw with Azerbaijan? Against such teams, everyone expects victory. If we continue to play the way we did against Iceland, there will be no problems.
— What did you not like?
— The fact that at 3:1 we easily conceded two goals. Those moments were alarming. Some kind of «relaxation» came. I don’t understand how that was allowed. But it’s good that we quickly recovered and scored more.
— Can it be said that this is Malinovskyi’s victory?
— He set a good tone for the game. But after that, there were also great substitutions — Ocheretko entered the game well, Dovbyk also strengthened. Malinovskyi looked confident and solid, gained excellent form. I have already said: this player can still give a lot to the national team. He is splendid but underrated and unrealized. I have always liked him. He once played very well for the national team, then there was a conflict, an injury — and he seemed to be forgotten. Therefore, I am sincerely glad that he returned and once again showed a high level.
Andriy Pavlechko
