Forward of Luhansk 'Zorya' Pylyp Budkivskyi shared his thoughts on the prospects of the Ukrainian national team in the World Cup 2026 qualifying match against France.
Pylyp Budkivskyi— Pylyp, what are your expectations for the France vs. Ukraine match?
— Well, I would say that our national team has chances, and not bad ones. If they play their football with aggression and Ukrainian spirit, I think everything will work out, and they’ll earn the necessary points.
— Do you believe Ukraine might sacrifice the match against France to be fully prepared for the decisive home game against Iceland, and does that make sense to you?
— Why go out to play if we’re just saving energy? In my opinion, the best players come to the national team, so in principle, there are replacements for those who will tire out in the match against France, and they won’t be any worse, providing the necessary results. I believe our team can make it to the World Cup.
— Due to France drawing with Iceland away (1:1) in the last round, they now necessarily need to beat Ukraine for a direct World Cup qualification. How much does this disadvantage us?
— They lost points and, understandably, will immediately put pressure, as they would want to win, being the favorites of this group.
You see, everyone has now learned to play football. Whoever is better prepared, committed, and a bit luckier, wins. Skill also plays a role, but if everyone in our team supports each other, everything will work out. I believe in our guys; as for France, it is what it is.
— What do you think of the current state of the Ukrainian team? Have they overcome the crisis after the away win against Iceland (5:3) and home win against Azerbaijan (2:1)?
— Yes, there were some unsatisfactory results and things weren’t clicking, but the last two games have shown that the team can do it and is on the right track. The main thing is for the team to continue on this path, and everything will work out.
— For the «blue and yellow» you played one match against a top team, coming on as a substitute in the 90th minute away against Spain (0:1) in the Euro 2016 qualifiers. What was the plan then, and can Ukraine offer more than just counterattacking against a major opponent?
— Back then, I was on the bench and saw our team creating many chances — we were a bit unlucky. Roman Zozulya «broke,» then Artem Kravets got a head injury. The team was committed, played for their country, and was close to taking points.
So, in my opinion, if they play aggressively as they know how, everything will work out.
— In 2018, you spent half a year in the French second division playing for Sochaux. What differences did you notice compared to Ukrainian football?
— There are more dark-skinned players with good attributes. All teams play open football and push forward.
If compared with our First League at that time, then League 2, in my opinion, was slightly higher in terms of the number of high-qualified players. Plus, almost all the teams set goals to move up in class.
The UPL was clearly stronger at the time than the second French division. In principle, many different national team players perform in the Premier League, and very good quality foreigners come. There’s less of that in League 2, as this championship emphasizes the development of youth, which is very strong and wants to play in League 1.
On the other hand, League 1 was also strong. At times, you could compare it to the UPL from those times. It’s hard to say unequivocally, as I didn’t play in the elite French division.
— Alexander Karavayev, well known to you from joint performances in «Sevastopol,» «Zorya,» as well as junior and youth teams of Ukraine, returned to the main team after a year’s break. Will he help?
— Well, he deserved it. He showed a good result at «Dynamo,» scoring and making productive passes, playing from the first to the last minute.
Such a right-back with a goal-scoring touch will be needed by the team. Somewhere he becomes an unexpected player for the opponents in areas where they expect a winger or forward to be, finding a right-back closing in from the opposite wing. It’s a good quality.
— Another player well known to you in similar teams, attacking midfielder of «Genoa» Ruslan Malinovskyi, after his comeback to the national team in October, was impressive, with a 3+1 in two matches. Too early to write him off?
— You know, now they write them off after 30. If an experienced player can do the same job as a young one and produces results, I see no reason not to call him to the national team or anything else.
Malinovskyi proved after his injury that he missed football and, with his level and qualification, can help the team.
— Can he continue in the same spirit?
— Of course, of course. As I said, he’s a professional. He showed he’s worthy of the national team and will help the team in upcoming matches.
— Among our forwards, who personally impresses you the most: Artem Dovbyk, Vladyslav Vanat, or Roman Yaremchuk?
— Hmm... The main thing is for the striker to help the team achieve positive results with his work, goals, and assists. The coach will decide who that will be from these three.
— Will a benchmark forward play against Ukraine in the French team? Of course, we’re talking about Kylian Mbappe.
— I liked Zlatan Ibrahimovic more. We are similar in build, and I like strikers of that type.
— Were you expecting a national team call-up considering your scoring success in the UPL?
— Well, I don’t know. Basically, it’s up to the coach. I do everything I can on the field. Apparently, it’s not enough yet for the national team.
It’s necessary to work, help the club, and deliver results. The main thing for a striker is goals. If I score, maybe they’ll think about it.
— Would it be interesting for you to work under Serhiy Rebrov?
— Yes, of course. It’s interesting with every coach. All the specialists are developing and moving forward. I’d like to work with a new coach and gain experience.
— Your prediction for the France vs. Ukraine match?
— Well, it will be a draw with France. I’ll say 1:1. Against Iceland, we will win. I think 2:1.
Dmytro Vienkov
