Former coach of Dynamo Leonid Buriak commented on the outcome of the draw for the Nations League playoffs, in which the Ukrainian team will meet Belgium.
Leonid Buriak. Photo — O. Vasyliyeva— What do you think about the draw for the Nations League playoffs, which resulted in Ukraine playing against Belgium?
— The draw is good, it went well. The Ukrainian national team, if in shape and on the move, can beat any team. How they will approach the matches against Belgium, what players will be in these matches, we will see. Of course, Belgium is a tough opponent. I don't think we should throw ashes on our heads. We have what we have. We will prepare seriously for the matches against the Belgians. We have quite good football players. Of course, the Belgian national team is a fairly serious opponent in terms of player selection. But I believe we will all enjoy these matches against Belgium.
— It will be interesting to confront in that sense, as recently we played against Belgium at the Euros. Are there unresolved questions regarding that match, which ended in a draw 0:0?
— I cannot characterize that game because the situation in the group was quite complicated then. And, frankly, the game against Belgium was uneventful. It was clear that the players were exhausted.
— And overall, how do you evaluate Ukraine's final matches in the group stage of this Nations League?
— I don't want to criticize. There are coaches for that, who will figure it out. But we again had two different halves. But it should be noted that the first half against the Albanians was very good. Everything went very well for the Ukrainian national team before the break. We also had a very good game against Georgia. The first half was very good. In general, the match against the Georgians was quite serious. And we need to prepare for the game against the Belgian national team.
— And I hope that all the leading players will be ready to play before the matches against Belgium!
— In preparing for the game against Belgium, we should take as the basis the match against the Georgian national team. In that meeting, there was dedication, very good speed, and competition. All the best Ukrainian football players will need to be involved in the matches against Belgium. Because a name, prestige, money, and many other things will be at stake.
— In preparing for the confrontation with Belgium, should we take into account the draw with Georgia and the victory over Albania?
— Albania is not Belgium. And we have not yet played any match after which we could go out and say that it was fantastic, and we liked everything in that match! Yes, in the match against Georgia, some players performed quite well. Of course, for the match against Belgium, we need to call players to the national team who will play offensively and be relevant.
— And we hope that Tsygankov and Malinovsky will be ready to play before the matches against Belgium. Also, we want other leaders to be ready to step onto the field!
— There is also Yarmolenko, who cannot be discounted. Yes, Tsygankov and Malinovsky are also important players for the national team. In such matches as against Belgium, we need to approach with motivation, which should be present for everyone. There should also be the readiness of the players! And it should not be just playing! The players of the Ukrainian national team must show extraordinary commitment.
Dmytro Kotkov
