On Monday, October 13, the Ukrainian national team defeated the Azerbaijan national team 2:1 in another match of the 2026 World Cup qualifying tournament. The match was nominally a home match for the Ukrainian national team, but due to the war, it took place in Krakow. Here is the post-match press conference of the head coach of the Ukrainian national team, Serhiy Rebrov.
— A very important game, very important three points, as felt by the players. After the victorious match against Iceland, this game was much more important, which led to some nervousness in our play. Especially in the second half, when we needed to advance. It was tough, but I am grateful to the players.
Unfortunately, we were without five key attacking players. It was not easy, but I am grateful to the guys who took the field today: they worked to the maximum and seized this very important result.
— Konoplia was very active in joining the team’s attacks from the first minutes. Was this a coaching directive or his own initiative, and what was the argument for it?
— The argument was that we needed to score. Not only Konoplia joined the attack, but everyone. And Mykolenko, and Zabarnyi, and Matvienko — everyone tried to advance with the ball. In the first half, we created enough chances, we needed to score more. Unfortunately, it turned out the way it did. In the first half. In the second half, it was difficult at first, but we eventually scored a very important goal.
Unfortunately, at the end of the first half, Konoplia was injured and couldn’t continue the game.
— Why was the victory for your team so hard-earned?
— Because the Azerbaijan national team is a high-level team that plays very compactly in defense. For example, the Iceland national team gave us a lot of space, and we used that space. Today there was no space. Any team that defends compactly is hard to beat. Additionally, I reiterate, we have five injured attacking players. That’s why it was difficult to play.
And I don’t understand why the Azerbaijan national team doesn’t respect itself: at this level, all opponents are very challenging. Especially now, the Azerbaijani club is performing in the main stage of the Champions League.
— What did you discuss with the team during the break? What’s the mood in the team after two victories?
— Today’s match was extremely important. Because we lost points in the first two matches of this qualifying campaign. Therefore, the players felt the responsibility. And it was difficult.
What happened during the break? Everyone understood that we made a mistake. And we had enough chances. We needed to press, work harder, endure. Because, I repeat, the Azerbaijan national team was very organized in defense. There was a working mood, and I am very glad that the guys seized this game.
— If the Ukrainian national team defeats France and Iceland in the remaining two rounds, it will directly advance to the World Cup from the first place in the group. Are you considering this option?
— I believe it is very important for us that the injured players return. These attacking players are very important for us. Yes, those who played today gave their all, but we need to be in optimal form to compete with any team, with teams at the level of the French national team.
The Ukrainian national team always plays to win. We try, but there is also the opponent, who also tries to do something. In such high-level matches, anything is possible. For example, today Iceland drew with France (2:2, — ed.). So I am sure that we will fight for victory in the match with France and the match with Iceland as well.
— Can you explain your decision to substitute winger Yarmoliuk for center-back Bondar?
— Bondar can play as a right-back. At that moment we needed a strong defender. That’s why Bondar came on as a right-back — we weren’t playing with three central defenders.
— Two victories, but both very difficult. How do you feel yourself now?
— I’m grateful to you that there aren’t questions that could upset me. So I feel normal. I know there could have been more complicated questions, and I’m thankful that you gave me the chance to relax a bit.
Oleksandr POPOV