The scorer of the first goal in the history of the Ukrainian national team, Ivan Hetsko, shared his expectations from the 6th round match of the 2026 World Cup qualification tournament Ukraine vs. Iceland, which will take place today in Warsaw.
Ivan Hetsko— Are expectations from the match against Iceland super-high?
— Well, how could they not be? We understand this is our last chance to fight for the World Cup. It’s either us or them.
— Is there a fear that something might go wrong?
— Anything can happen. It’s football, not everything goes as you would like.
— Will the thrashing from France be a burden? For instance, Iceland twice challenged the group leader...
— No, I think it should be forgotten. It was forgotten right after the match. Rebrov should have done everything to make it so. Explaining that we are preparing specifically for Iceland.
— Will the game itself be tough?
— Of course, it will be tough. The Icelanders will play defensively. Or perhaps not. They have a good team with many high-class players, a quality structure, and strong game building. A lot will depend on luck, for sure. If we recall the previous game against Iceland, we had five chances and scored five goals. If the trend continues and luck is on our side, there will be no issues.
— Will Iceland be content with a draw? Will they try to «dry out» the game?
— To dry out the game, they also need to score. So, they will counterattack and play second. And we don’t really like playing first; it doesn’t always work out for us. But life forces us to play against the Icelanders in this manner. And there’s hope that all the chances we create, we will realize. This is our main task — realization.
— How do you feel about FIFA’s rule that if points are equal, the difference in goals scored and conceded decides everything?
— It’s always been like that, as far as I remember. Whoever scores more and concedes less ranks higher. Only then do the head-to-head matches count.
— Is it fair?
— It’s the regulation. We can’t influence it. If the whole world agrees with it, what can we do? We have to be bound by it.
— If Ukraine doesn’t beat Iceland, what will happen?
— Significant changes will occur. A change of coach must happen instantly. Besides, he must resign — if the task isn’t accomplished, then definitely. Big changes must occur, 100%. Fresh blood must enter the team, everything must change.
— What’s your prediction for the match against Iceland?
— I think we’ll beat Iceland 3:1.
Andriy Pavlechko
