Today, the opponent of the Ukrainian national team in the play-off of the 2026 World Cup qualifying tournament became known — the team of Sweden. In case of a successful result in the final match for the right to enter the Mundial, the Ukrainians will face the winner of the Poland-Albania pair. Former coach of our national team Myron Markevych commented on the results of this draw.
Myron Markevych— Sweden is certainly not the best option, — said Markevych. — However, if we want to get to the World Cup, we have to fight; there is no other way.
— How great are the chances of the Ukrainian national team advancing past the Scandinavians?
— There are always chances. Yes, the Swedes have players to play, especially since this national team is headed by a strong English coach, Graham Potter. It will not be easy, but we also have a team with a name. Let Sweden be afraid of us, not us of them.
— In percentage terms, who has the advantage?
— 50 to 50. And the point is that there is still a lot of time before the game. The Swedes failed in the qualifying tournament, but I am sure that in the spring, it will be a different team, stronger. In my opinion, Sweden is definitely not weaker than Iceland, with whom we played in the qualifying cycle. At this stage of the competition, there are no outsiders.
— And isn’t Poland the favorite in their confrontation with Albania?
— On paper, maybe. But the Albanians know how to play football; they have a prickly, unyielding team, so even in this pair, it’s difficult to say who will be the winner.
— In terms of composition, are we not inferior to Sweden?
— No. The only important thing is that our team approaches this match without personnel losses.
— Due to disqualification, will Konoplya and Malinovskyi definitely not play in the semifinals?
— By that time, Sych will return after injury, Tymchyk may join, so I’m not too worried about the right flank of the defense. But the loss of Malinovskyi is indeed significant. Let’s believe that we will see Ruslan in the final (smiles).
Sergiy Boychenko
