Forward of the Ukrainian national team Artem Dovbyk summarized the results of yesterday’s match against the Azerbaijan national team (2:1) in the 4th round of the World Cup 2026 qualifying tournament on MEGOGO.
— Why was the match so challenging? What surprised you about the opponent?
— When you play against national teams, there are no easy opponents. Therefore, everyone is motivated, everyone gives their all. Yes, we conceded that goal just before halftime, which shook us up a bit, but it’s good it ended this way. The main thing is the three points.
— The opponent scored almost from their only chance in the first half. Did you go into the second half feeling a certain worry, or was it no longer there?
— No, we were focused on scoring, on dominating, putting pressure on the opponent’s defenders, playing faster so the opponents would tire and we could find our chances to score a goal.
— Today the opponent played with three central defenders, two of whom were always near you. How difficult was it for you to oppose them?
— I don’t know. I had chances, but I couldn’t convert them. On the other hand, if opponents are focused on me, that’s good: it means we have some free space somewhere, and another player can capitalize on it.
— For the two remaining matches, against France and Iceland, what is the mindset?
— We see our situation in the group — we need to win. Now everyone will go to their clubs. I hope during this period nothing happens to anyone, and we will be ready for the next matches.