The author of the first goal in the history of the Ukrainian national team, Ivan Hetsko, shared his expectations for the semi-final of the World Cup 2026 qualifying playoffs between Serhii Rebrov’s men and the Swedes, which will take place in March next year.
Ivan Hetsko«I always try to be objective and I believe that the Ukrainian national team was lucky in the fight for second place in their group. Let’s at least recall the course of events in the key confrontations with the Icelanders. But, as they say, Fortuna smiles on the stronger.
Since luck is an important 'trump card', I hope it will not let us down in the match against the Swedes. Perhaps the Scandinavians have more 'stars', but our team is stronger in teamwork. I really hope that Oleksandr Zinchenko and Artem Dovbyk will mark their return to the national team after injuries with scored goals. Like it was in the match against the Swedes in the round of 16 of the European Championship in Glasgow in 2021. Then it was Dovbyk who became the hero, not the Scandinavian attack leader Isak, whom the Ukrainians neutralized. I am only 'for' such a scenario to be repeated in March.
And although there is still plenty of time before this battle, discussions about where the Ukrainians will hold this home match are already in full swing. I favor the option with Spanish Murcia, where Serhii Rebrov’s men already defeated the Belgians in the Nations League playoffs this year. In case of a victory over the Swedes in Murcia, we could test our strength in the final against the winner of the Poland-Albania pair. Then we would have an advantage in logistics and recovery. And these, you will agree, are very important arguments,» said Hetsko.
