The scorer of the first goal in the history of the Ukrainian national team, Ivan Hetsko, shared his expectations for the main round match of the Conference League 'Shamrock Rovers' — 'Shakhtar'.
Ivan Hetsko— We are pouring from empty to empty again. What kind of Ireland? What kind of football can there be? I understand the national team plays at a normal level because the players perform in top leagues. But the teams in the championship — that’s something else... I think that 'Shakhtar' is a top team in terms of players. Two 'miners' players are probably worth more than the whole opposing team.
I can’t even imagine not winning here. Yes, the Irish are strong, but we have Brazilians, the best Ukrainians, and they have the power to win — there can’t even be a debate about that. I would be surprised if something extraordinary happens, but I don’t want to believe it. I believe that 'Shakhtar' will play at a high level, show its skill, and achieve the desired result.
Who will score for 'Shakhtar'? Well, it’s hard to say. Against whom? The opposing team played with ten men (Obolon), they were broken. It’s the same as 'Dynamo' beating 'Kryvbas' 4—0 and then losing to everyone in a row. That’s why it feels bitter to me. It’s unclear what’s happening in Ukrainian top-tier teams. I think that even in Europe, financially 'Shakhtar' and 'Dynamo' are not inferior to the mid-rank in top leagues. And the 'miners' even surpass somewhere — in terms of players' salaries. I think 'Dynamo' is also doing well in this regard. Why there is no game — a question for the coaches.
Yes, we have the main argument — the war continues. But in Israel, the war has been going on for many years, and teams play in the European cups. But I don’t think our giants are playing poorly because of the war. We have a championship going on, yes, there are alarms, but we finish the matches. I understand that it may affect that the players think more about their families, their parents, wives, and children. Maybe that’s why there is a lack of motivation to gather and play at a serious level. Anything can be, but 'Shakhtar’s level is higher than 'Shamrock’s'. The 'miners' must win.
’Shakhtar' will score its two or three goals. They should score and dry the game, forcing the opposing team to run without the ball. And this is due to skill, not just class. They have to beat them on one foot, but there should be no underestimation of the opponent — this is the most important thing, because sometimes we have such an issue. This is also shown by the game of Kyiv 'Dynamo', which performed like this against 'Kolos'. To play so poorly... It’s shocking. Where are we going and what will happen next...", — said Hetsko.
