Denis Popov: "Lack of concentration led to missed goals"

16.11.2019 14:01

Photo by Yevhen Kraws

In their fourth match of the qualifying round of the European Championship-2021 (U-21), the youth national team of Ukraine at the Arena Lviv lost to the players of Denmark (2: 3) and worsened their tournament position.

- I do not think that the Danes outnumbered us in terms of anthropometric data, and this was evident at the start match, - the defender of owners Denis Popov told, commenting on a course of events for the official site of UAF. - It was just necessary to play in the debut more reliably and balanced. And the fact that we can not only play with the leader of our group on equal terms, but also score, we proved in the second half.

- Then, perhaps, the national team of Ukraine was knocked off track by a quick goal by the Danes?

- You are right. We recovered only after the break and, oddly enough, believed that all was not lost when the score became 0: 3. Apparently, the guests already mentally thought that victory was in their pocket, and relaxed a bit. It is a pity that we did not punish them for it.

- And yet - what did the national team of Ukraine lack in the failed first half?

- Concentrations. This led to missed goals. In addition, the Danes, unfortunately, did not forgive mistakes. However, nothing terrible happened, we still have the opportunity to make up for lost time. And the fact that we will fight to the end - I guarantee.