The iconic midfielder of Kyiv’s Dynamo from the 1980s Vadym Yevtushenko commented on the draw results for the World Cup 2026 playoffs for the Ukrainian national team, which is set to play against Sweden in the first round.
Vadym Yevtushenko (photo: O. Popov)— Vadym Anatolyevich, can we say that Ukraine got the toughest opponent possible since North Macedonia, Northern Ireland, and Romania seem slightly weaker than Sweden?
— I was a bit disappointed when I learned the draw results. I would have liked both Ukraine and Sweden to make it to the World Cup, but… The opponent we got isn’t the best, let’s say. It would have been much better for us to play against either North Macedonia or Northern Ireland. However, the draw is cast, so what’s left to talk about? We need to prepare for the match against Sweden.
— Sweden is currently not experiencing its best time historically. They failed in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers and only made it to the playoffs thanks to good results in the Nations League. What’s happening with the Swedes, is it a generation change?
— Now Sweden is somewhat an unbalanced team, and it’s no wonder they changed their head coach during the qualifiers (Englishman Graham Potter replaced Danish Jon Dahl Tomasson — author). The newly appointed Potter knows Swedish football well because he began his coaching career there (at «Östersund»). He understands the Swedish mentality. And Potter is much more experienced than Tomasson, who couldn’t find the right balance.
I have a feeling that the issues Sweden had during the World Cup 2026 qualifiers will be resolved by March. Moreover, by spring, three of Sweden’s key players — Djokeres (forward), Kulusevski (right winger), and Isak (forward) are expected to play. Viktor, Dejan, and Alexander are a formidable force in attack. By March, these guys and their teammates should be in great shape, as they all play in Europe and won’t have issues with match practice and form.
— What’s the weakness of the Swedish national team?
— I previously mentioned the attacking players, which are very good for Sweden, but the defense is not quite right, to put it mildly. Tomasson played with three central defenders, while Potter switched to four. However, whether the new coach’s schemes will work as needed by March remains a mystery.
— You mentioned the top Swedish legionnaires. However, Ukraine also mostly consists of legionnaires from the EPL, Serie A, La Liga, and the Greek and Turkish Super Leagues. So who is the favorite in the confrontation, in your opinion?
— It’s still very difficult to speak concretely because there is still a lot of time until March, over four months. Currently, I would say that the chances are even, a classic 50−50. But there is a significant factor not in our favor.
— Which exactly?
— Potter had already started preparing for the World Cup playoffs because, in the final qualifying group stage match against Slovenia (1:1), which had no importance for the Swedes, he essentially fielded a reserve team, not risking those who were «hanging» on cards, and there were almost half a team of them.
Meanwhile, Ukraine desperately needed a victory over Iceland (2:0), and we paid dearly for it with two crucial, leading players — Malinovskyi and Konoplia, missing out on the game against Sweden due to an accumulation of cards. Ukraine already has two losses...
— So, Djokeres and Isak will return to their fighting form, and our chances will be few?
— Historically, we have played quite well against the Swedes, and I think our chances of winning are good. And it’s not a fact that Potter will stabilize his team’s play.
— However, the head coach of the Swedish team Graham Potter and former «Three Crowns» forward Martin Dahlin do not hide their satisfaction with drawing against Ukraine. If we played hockey against the Swedes, no questions, we would be wiped out, but we’re talking football. Where does their confidence that Sergiy Rebrov’s team will be an easy opponent for them come from?
— I read the Swedish press, and yes, they are satisfied with the draw results. Most likely, the Swedes see Ukraine as a good opponent because our country is at war, and the team will play on neutral ground. Only for these reasons.
— Are there any new Larssons in Sweden today, not just by name, because there are plenty, but with a skill level similar to Henrik? Or new Ibrahimovićs?
— Charismatic players like Larsson and Ibrahimović are not present in Sweden right now. This is part of Sweden’s weakness. Not without reason, the veteran Emil Forsberg (34 years old) returned to the national team, even though his best times are long past, and he currently plays in MLS for the «New York Red Bulls.» He clearly went overseas to wind down his career.
Viktor Hlukhenskyi
