Former striker of the national team of Ukraine Ivan Getsko explained why so many clubs from the lower leagues have reached the quarterfinals of the Ukrainian Cup and named the team that can challenge «Dynamo» for the trophy.
— How do you find this year’s Ukrainian Cup, where only three teams from the UPL reached the quarterfinals?
— I think the interest in such developments is very high. Teams from the first or second leagues understand that thanks to tournaments like the Ukrainian Cup, they can achieve great results. «Karpaty» from the first league won the USSR Cup in 1969. Back then, everyone who achieved such results immediately received the title of master of sports. Today, every team from a lower division has that opportunity. In my opinion, it’s very exciting.
— And why are teams from the lower leagues knocking out UPL clubs?
— Most likely due to underestimation. Our giants approach these matches relaxed. Some coaches rotate, try to come up with something, and then concede one or two goals — and panic sets in. Correcting everything during the game is very difficult. That’s how they «get the short end of the stick».
— How do you feel about the new format, where after regular time there is a penalty shootout?
— I think it’s normal. As they say, if you couldn’t decide everything in regular time, why exhaust the players for another half hour? They immediately proceed to the «lottery,» and, as they say, the stronger team wins.
— In your opinion, who can compete with «Dynamo» for the Cup?
— I think «Metalist 1925» can pose serious competition to Kyiv «Dynamo».
Andriy Pavlechko