Ukraine’s national team midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi commented on the victory over Azerbaijan’s national team (2:1) in yesterday’s match of the 4th round of the 2026 World Cup qualifying tournament, in which he scored the winning goal and also provided an assist.
Ruslan Malinovskyi. Photo — UAF— Ruslan, congratulations on the victory. Well, in fact, two games, three goals, an assist. This is probably your most successful appearance in the national team history?
— Thank you. If looking at these numbers, then probably yes. But I don’t want to get carried away as there are two games left. We need to secure at least two points. It’s very pleasing that I scored and I’m also very happy for Alexei. Because he’s worked hard: you can see it both in training and in games. He has great qualities, a great left foot, and he’s very good with headers. Today he scored with a header and also provided an assist. Congratulations to all Ukrainians, all the fans on this victory.
— How do you feel about this team now? You weren’t here for a year. Has anything changed?
— Some young guys, who received their first calls... Of course, we’re missing some guys, like Yaremchuk, Zubkov, Zinchenko, Tsygankov... Those who were here before. Of course, I’m very happy to see everyone: Mykolenko, Shaparenko, Buschan, Zabarnyi, Matviienko, all the guys I’ve been with for many years. We always had a great atmosphere. I know that the guys give 100% on the field.
— The game against Iceland was expected to be more difficult, but it turned out differently. Why was the match against Azerbaijan tougher?
— If we had scored the second goal in the first half, maybe we would have scored a third, a fourth. Of course, there’s pressure, responsibility. Maybe we rushed in some situations, wanted to score a quick goal, a second goal, a third goal. Maybe that’s what played this unpleasant trick on us.
The main thing, as I say, is the victory. You also see that Iceland played 2:2 with France. They didn’t create many chances, but they scored two goals against France. That’s football: episodes decide the game.
— There was a lot of criticism of the team during the September camp. What’s the psychological mood after two consecutive victories?
— I didn’t read or see the criticism. The results, of course, were more... such that we played 1:1 with Azerbaijan. As I said, episodes decide, so we need to analyze mistakes and prepare for the final matches. Because we’ve won two games and everything is ahead.
The group stage isn’t just one or two games, where you can win or lose. This is a long journey, where we must stay focused and play until the end.
— Are two wins against France and Iceland realistic?
— You know, ask the bookmakers. I’m joking, of course, but how do you define 'realistic'? Everything is possible in football, but we need to first prepare for France, then move on to the next match.
