Vladislav Kucheruk: “There is one step left until the final. We will try to do everything possible and impossible ... "

25.07.2018 13:15

Photo by uefa.com

The goalkeeper of the youth national team of Ukraine U-19 Vladyslav Kucheruk is preparing for the most important match in his life.

During the group round of the European Youth Championship (U-19), which takes place in Finland, the goalkeeper of Dynamo Kyiv and the national team of Ukraine Vladyslav Kucheruk showed himself at his best. He confidently defended in all matches, and his team came out of the playoffs in first place. Ahead of the semi-final match against Portugal, the goalkeeper answered questions from the FFU website.

- Vladislav, is it difficult to play at this level in two days on the third?

"Of course." During the match with such opponents, you can not relax for a minute, because it threatens certain consequences.

- The national team of Ukraine reached the semifinals from the first place. What is the strength of your team?

- In unity, in the performance of the coaching attitude and in good physical fitness, because the tactics of quick counterattacks have worked for us more than once.

- The actions of the team are almost automatic ...

- This is because we are not performing together for the first year, we feel good for each other.

- Which match for you as a goalkeeper was the most difficult in the group stage of the Euro?

- All three, because, as I said, you could not relax. The price of the result was very high.

- But, probably, you are most satisfied with the result of the meeting with Turkey?

- Yes, because this victory allowed the national team of Ukraine to reach the semifinals from the first place, and I managed to keep my goal intact.

- The national team of Ukraine has already fulfilled the minimum task at the European Championship - has earned a ticket to the World Cup ...

- Yes, but there is one step left until the final match. All the guys want to achieve this result, so we will try to do everything possible and impossible to get there.

- Portugal is the favorite of the confrontation. Will this allow the blue and yellows to play loose?

- Hard to say. In any case, we are not afraid of the opponent, we will try to play our football.

- If the coach entrusts you with a place in the team, will this match become the main one in your life?

- So. I haven't had to play in the semifinals of the European Championships yet ... 

The semifinal match of Euro-2018 (U-19) Ukraine - Portugal will start on Thursday, July 26 at 15.00.