Former striker of Kyiv «Dynamo» and Odesa «Chornomorets» Oleksandr Kosyrin assessed the chances of Serhiy Rebrov’s players in the 2026 World Cup playoff semi-final against Sweden, which will take place in March next year.
Oleksandr Kosyrin— So far, everything is going according to plan. As expected, the Ukrainian national team finished second in their group and will now continue to fight for a World Cup ticket in the playoffs. Still, let’s be realistic: it was impossible to overtake the French.
I am aware that Sweden is satisfied with the draw. They believe their team is stronger, and explain the failure in the current selection by the problems of their «stars»: Isak, Dokeresh, Kulusevski. Well, that’s their right, but we also eagerly await the return of our leaders: Zinchenko, Sudakov, Dovbyk. That’s why I’m optimistic and believe that in March our guys will achieve the necessary result, and the overconfidence of the Scandinavians will only serve as an additional incentive to outperform expectations. Moreover, this generation of Ukrainian national team players already defeated Sweden in the round of 16 of the European Championship in Glasgow in 2021. By the way, Zinchenko and Dovbyk scored then. That’s why the psychological advantage will be on the side of the Ukrainians.
Right now, it’s important not to make a mistake with the country where we will host the Swedes, and where, in case of victory, we will meet with the winner of the Poland — Albania pair. Every detail must be considered to avoid logistical and recovery difficulties. Readiness must be at its maximum, — said Kosyrin.
