The well-known Ukrainian coach Roman Hryhorchuk responded to the draw for the play-off round of World Cup 2026 qualifying, where the Ukrainian national team will face Sweden.
Roman Hryhorchuk— Sweden became the opponent for the 'blue and yellows'. Perhaps the worst option among the possible?
— Even before the draw, I said it doesn’t matter whom we are drawn against — we have the potential to beat any of these opponents.
— How can Sergiy Rebrov’s team qualify for the play-off final?
— We are capable of beating Sweden. We have assembled a great team — our players are very skilled. That’s why I am confident that we will overcome Sweden.
— The winner of the Ukraine-Sweden pair will play against the winner of the Poland-Albania pair in the play-off final. Whom do you consider the favorite in that confrontation?
— In the Poland-Albania pair, I also don’t see a clear favorite — these are two teams of a good level, who will decide in a head-to-head match who qualifies for the play-off final.
Oleh Vakhotksyi
