Former Kyiv Dynamo player Vasyl Kardash shared his impressions of his former team’s match against Shakhtar Donetsk (2:1) in the 1/4 finals of the Ukrainian Cup.
Vasyl KardashTo understand why nothing worked for Dynamo before the break, one would need to be backstage and know their game plan. If it weren’t for Nescheret’s reliability in goal, the Miners could have easily «closed the match,» as they say. The dominance of Donetsk was evident, and frankly, it was hard to imagine how the hosts could turn the game around. The only thing Dynamo could credit to themselves was the inviolability of their goal.
Then what had to happen in the second half for the situation to change in favor of the Kyiv team?
Paradoxically, they needed to concede. After Meireles' goal, it seemed the Donetsk players decided the victory was already secure. By the way, overestimating their strength has let Shakhtar down before. But credit must also go to the Dynamo players, who finally «woke up.» The substitution of Mykhailenko for Brazhko was beneficial — the latter became more active in defense, and Pihalenko had more opportunities to organize attacks.
Changes in the attitude of the Kyiv players should have been sensed by the Miners' coach Turan, who could have reacted by bringing on players skilled in defense. But where to find them among the Brazilian legionnaires focused on attack? Gradually, the hosts seized the initiative.
Do you think the Kyiv team played well enough to earn the two goals that secured their victory?
At the very least, they showed great determination to do so. This was immediately reflected in ball recovery in midfield, intensity around Shakhtar’s penalty area, and aggression on the flanks.
I was surprised that the «Miners,» after conceding twice, couldn’t pull themselves together and had no chances to equalize the score. Therefore, respect to Dynamo for their will to win.
The opponents will meet again in a few days in the 11th round of the UPL. How do you assess the chances?
I am sure the scenario will be completely different. Today, a place in the quarter-finals of the Ukrainian Cup was at stake, requiring alertness from the first minutes. On Sunday, even if something goes wrong, it can still be fixed in the championship. So a more open game is expected. How it will end — I can’t say, but the psychological advantage is now with Dynamo, that’s for sure.
Andriy Pisarenko
