Darya Apanaschenko: “There was not enough courage and arrogance in the match against Denmark”

20.04.2018 12:01

Photo by Andrii Mayorov

The captain of the national women's national team of Ukraine Daria Apanashchenko commented on the results of the 2019 World Cup qualifiers against the teams Croatia and Denmark, the results of which the blue and yellow filled their piggy bank with three points. 

- Darya, our team returned from away games with a victory and defeat. How did the team prepare for the matches against Croatia and Denmark?

- We arrived in Croatia a few days before the game. And although the field on which they trained was not in the best condition, they managed to prepare properly for the match. In Denmark, the situation with the field was better, but not much.

- Can we say that the fate of the match against Croatia was decided in the first 45 minutes? What was the plan for the second half?

- Yes, we scored three goals in the first half of the game, which demoralized the host a bit, although they were always trying to press and create pressure on the field. The plan was simple: do not miss a goal and play safely in defense.

- The head coach of our team Volodymyr Reva said after the victory over Croatia that the most important thing for the national team is to recover emotionally. How was the preparation for the meeting with the dunks?

- Yes, indeed, in the first match we gave a lot of emotions. A difficult move to Denmark was also noticeable. It was necessary to recover not only after the game, but also after the road. However, the schedule was no different from the usual: in the morning - theory, and in the evening - training.

- The match against Denmark was very difficult. What was not enough to go home with at least one test score?

- The game was difficult. We mostly defended ourselves. And what was missing? In my opinion, courage and impudence. Rivals played and gave to us. This could be used if we were more confident.

- Who can you name as a member of the European vice-champions?

- Two players who are the leaders of the Danish national team - Captain Pernil Harder and Nadia Nadim. They greatly damaged the nerves of our defenders.

- How do you like the support of the Ukrainian team in the match against the tributes?

- It was very unexpected to see so many Ukrainian fans at the away game. Many thanks to them, the support was just great. And the applause we received at the bus after the game is something incredible. 

- It will be very difficult for our national team to cling to the second place in the standings. What tasks do you set for the rest of the group stage matches, and especially for June matches against the leaders of the group - Denmark and Sweden?

- There are always chances, regardless of who is playing against you. The main thing is to work hard and believe in victory with all your heart.

- With what emotions do you return to the club and the Ukrainian championship after a long training camp and national team matches?

- It is always nice to return home. Especially now there will be many games in the championship of Ukraine.