Legendary Dynamo forward Artem Milevsky shared his thoughts about the Ukraine vs. Iceland match as part of the final round of World Cup 2026 qualifying.
Artem Milevsky— Artem, what are you expecting from the decisive match of the Ukrainian national team against Iceland?
— We all know that only a win is needed, there is no other way. Rebrov knows this better than anyone, so he didn’t play the main squad against France, saving all the energy for Iceland; this was clear to the naked eye. It’s very unfortunate that Zhora Sudakov got injured. It’s a strange and unfortunate story to get an injury in the national team, especially in training. Perhaps fatigue set in, as Zhora played a lot of matches this season.
— Besides Sudakov, Dovbyk and Zinchenko didn’t make the application due to injuries. Are these significant losses for our team?
— The fact that Dovbyk and Zina wouldn’t play was clear even before the games. I don’t think these are too big of a loss for the team. Vanat and Yaremchuk can replace Dovbyk; their level is plus-minus the same. Zina is going through a challenging period in his career; may God help him return to his previous level. In the national team, Yarmolyuk can play in his midfield position and, on the left in defense, Mykolenko is in good form.
— Rebrov is currently being heavily criticized for the tactics, that Ukraine creates very few chances and shots as was the case in the match against France. What do you think about this?
— Against France, they counted one shot, but I watched the whole game and can’t even remember when we shot at the goal (laughs). But this is France — one of the strongest teams in the world, and it is clear that it’s hard to play against them, and any created moment is like a celebration. Against the French, you can’t make even the smallest mistakes.
I don’t understand how, at a 0—0 scoreline, when the opponent wasn’t achieving much, Mykhalka managed to step on an opponent’s foot who was standing with his back to the goal! Why touch him at all? Just stand quietly behind, he poses no threat. A defender shouldn’t play like that; this isn’t a regional championship. The game against France was up to the first goal, after that, we had no chance.
— Do you think that from our lineup that played against France, anyone apart from Trubin, Zabarnyi, and Yarmolyuk will play against Iceland? Let’s try to predict the starting lineup.
— Most likely, only the trio you mentioned. If Sudakov were healthy, he’d play, but tomorrow it will probably be Yarmolyuk. Let’s go with: Trubin — Mykolenko, Matvienko, Zabarnyi, Konoplia — Kalyuzhnyi — Tsygankov, Yarmolyuk, Malinovskyi, Zubkov — Vanat.
— So you predict Vanat starting over Yaremchuk?
— Yes. Vanat is currently playing steadily in Girona, and Yaremchuk missed a lot due to injury, so Vlad has a higher playing rhythm. And if Ukraine doesn’t score in the first half, by the 60th minute, Yaremchuk will come on as the second forward.
— How do we need to play to achieve a positive result against Iceland?
— Calmly and confidently. We need to constantly press the opponent, press quickly, and not be afraid to shoot on target. We beat the Icelanders away, and now we’ll play in front of our fans, of whom there are many in Poland. We have Malina who can shoot, many players play in European clubs, and they’re not there for the last roles. Every player must show their best qualities, and then we will achieve a positive result — a victory.
— Will it play to our advantage that our leaders rested in the match against France, while Iceland played their main team against Azerbaijan?
— I believe so. Tsygankov, Mykolenko, Vanat, Malinovsky, Kalyuzhny, Konoplya, and others who didn’t play on Thursday will be much fresher than the opponent. Iceland had a difficult flight to Azerbaijan. I think in the second half they will definitely tire. Our team should definitely look better physically. Plus, many of our fans will come to the stadium in Warsaw. So we have to win.
— In the bookmakers, Ukraine is a big favorite. The odds for our team to win are 1.71, and for Iceland’s triumph — 5.30. Do you agree with such a layout?
— The statistics of personal meetings speak in our favor. In the first round, we beat Iceland 5:3; in the Euro 2024 playoff match we won 2:1, Mudryk scored the winning goal then. Our squad is also more interesting. So yes, on paper Ukraine is the favorite, we need to prove it on the field.
— Does Rebrov’s future depend on the match against Iceland? If he wins he continues to work with the team, but a draw or loss sends him away?
— I don’t work for UAF, so I don’t know what will happen. I’m just a simple fan who wants to see the Ukrainian national team’s victory tomorrow, that’s all. And as for backstage intrigues, that’s not my question.
— As a simple fan, do you enjoy the Ukrainian national team matches?
— Sometimes. Obviously, against France, I didn’t enjoy it, but the first match against Iceland was great. Tomorrow we need only victory, and how we get it isn’t important, be it pretty or not, even if it’s a deflection, the main thing is it’s in our favor.
— Your prediction for the match?
— Ukraine will win 2:0 or 2:1. I really want to support our team at the World Cup in the USA.
— Will you dare to bet on the goal scorers?
— Oh, tough, but let’s try. Malinovskyi will score with his trademark left, and Tsygankov.
— Our team has a lot of young players. Give them some advice for the match against Iceland from the height of your great experience?
— Giving any kind of pep talk is not my style. In such a match, I want to wish the guys that each of them plays his best game. For the players of the Ukrainian national team, this is the match of their lives. Tsygankov, when on the move, can create a moment from nothing. Vanja Kalyuzhny needs to manage the interceptions everywhere. Yarmolyuk’s volume, Malinovskyi’s shot, Mykola’s and Fima’s wing runs, the steadfastness behind Zabarnyi and Trubin will be needed. I believe that if our players play their best football, we will win.
Andriy Piskun
