Vitaliy Odegov: "In January, Ukraine's youth futsal team will play with Portugal, and in March - with Hungary"

14.12.2019 16:30

Head coach of the U-17 Futsal youth team Vitaliy Odegov summed up two friendly matches against Serbia and shared the team's future plans, reports the press service of the Futsal Association of Ukraine.

- Vitaliy Oleksiyovych, how do you evaluate the two matches of the youth national team of Ukraine against Serbia, which ended with the victories of our team - 4:0 and 3:1?

- During the first match, the guys felt more responsible and nervous in their actions. Because of this, the team failed to implement many components of the game. However, in the second half we managed to take advantage of the opponent's mistakes and the opportunities he gave us.

In the second meeting, in my opinion, there was an underestimation of the opponent after the score 4: 0 following the results of the first match. The boys believed that everything was easy for them. Instead, the Serbs were doubly motivated and wanted to rehabilitate after the defeat. We didn't actually have a picture of the game, and its quality was low, despite the result.

- Two players of the youth national team of Ukraine U-17, Mykola Guyvan and Yaroslav Kvasniy, in September defended the colors of our national team at Euro 2019 among boys born in 2000 and younger. How important is this experience for the formation of leadership in a virtually new team?

- Of course, experience always helps to be leaders and lead young and unarmed partners. Mykola Guyvan demonstrated this with his game in the first match. I can note his reliability, experience and composure, which is necessary for the goalkeeper and veteran of this team.

As for Yaroslav Kwasni, he should also be the team leader. However, so far Yaroslav is either not aware of this, or he does not succeed due to certain psychological reasons. I mean individual qualities and taking on the role of leader in this team, because he really gained a lot of experience in international matches.

- In two matches, the team conceded only one goal. How satisfied are you with the actions of the goalkeepers?

- The keepers did not miss anything extra. It is good that there were no effective mistakes. However, the opponent did not set them any extraordinary tasks. Especially when it comes to the second meeting. In the first match, there were indeed moments in which Guiwan demonstrated his level and saved the team. If we had missed that match first — the game could have been different.

- In March this year youth team of Ukraine U-19 also met with this contender and suffered two defeats. How different are the two Serbian national teams?

- In general, I note that the style of play has remained the same. It consists in a forceful manner. That team had more textured performers. However, the team is just beginning its journey, and maybe these guys will grow up (laughs).

- What are the team's immediate plans?

- In January, the youth national team of Ukraine will play against Portugal, and in March will play two matches against Hungary. These meetings will take place on the grounds of rivals.