Former head coach of «Levyi Bereg» Vitaliy Pervak talked about the preferred draw options for the World Cup 2026 qualifying playoffs semifinals for the Ukrainian national team. Let’s recall that possible opponents for the «blue and yellows» are the national teams of Sweden, Romania, North Macedonia, and Northern Ireland.
«When everything is decided in knockout matches, it reminds me of the tension of a post-match penalty shootout, where there is no room for error. I disagree with those who, for some reason, call it a football lottery. On the contrary, to draw a lucky ticket, you need to demonstrate the highest level of skill.
The same tension should be expected in the March playoff matches. In my opinion, not everything will align with the ranking table. That’s why during preparation every detail should be taken into account, and be ready for the home preparations of the opponents. Otherwise, unpleasant surprises cannot be avoided. By the way, while everyone now wants our guys to face the Macedonians in the semifinals, I would be more restrained with predictions: the Balkans are unyielding, they can rally for one match, so one should be on guard with them and not rush to name the Ukrainians as favorites.
As for whom I would not want as opponents for Sergey Rebrov’s team, that would be the Swedes. Frankly, I expected a much better performance from them in the current qualifying cycle, but we have what we have, although there are „stars“ of world football in the Scandinavian lineup. They are a very formidable team.
Still, there is time after the draw to thoroughly study the opponent and approach the decisive matches fully armed. Ukraine really needs to reach the world football forum,» said Pervak.