Oleg Shaitanov: "Our combination in the match with Finland was not spontaneous"

18.01.2020 18:20

Photo of FAU press service

The head coach of the women's national team of Ukraine futsal Oleg Shaitanov commented for the UAF official site the performance of his team at the Lviv Freedom Cup.

From January 12 to 15, the national team of Ukraine took part in the Lviv tournament, which brought together a total of six teams. During the group stage, the blue and yellows defeated Hungary (5:1) and Finland (5:2), however, in the final duel lost to Italy (2:4). After the Lviv Freedom Cup was over, we talked with the head coach of our team, Oleg Shaitanov.

- Was the opening match against Hungary crucial for the Ukrainian national team?

- It was the first game, the opening of the tournament. We were seriously preparing for it, because Hungary almost blocked our way to Euro 2019, when we drew with it during the selection and bypassed it only thanks to the goal difference. I wanted to meet this team at home and prove that we are stronger. In principle, this setting allowed us to end the match with a comfortable score.

— In the duel with the Finns, the first half was quite intense…

- Finland was a mystery to us. The local girls play both football and futsal. They are physically strong, play very sincerely. Probably, in the first half there was a certain lack of adjustment on our part, so the Finns managed to play on equal terms. They scored goals, went ahead twice. However, in the second half we calmed down, played a little faster, removed the extra marriage and finally ended the match in our favor.

— Incredible fourth goal in the match against Finland — Household workpiece?

- Yes, this combination was not spontaneous.

— Comment on the outcome of the final meeting with the Italians.

- We did not manage to achieve the goals set for the tournament one hundred percent, because we understood that we were going to Italy in the final, and we wanted to beat this team, especially since I consider it an equal rival for Ukraine. We couldn't win, but I'm glad that in the final the girls played without fear, aggressively, attacked a lot, had moments. The downside is that we did not get the result. Plus, our team's game was good enough. Of course, Italy was our strongest opponent in the tournament.

- How do you assess the organization of Lviv Freedom Cup in general?

- There are no claims about the organization at all. To be honest, there were probably no such tournaments in Europe. Yes, four teams came together, but I don't even remember that there were six national teams at once. Judging by the feedback of all participants of the Lviv competitions, they will be happy to come to us again next year. Everyone liked it, there were no negatives left from the tournament. Everyone completed their tasks.

— What are the next plans for Ukraine's women's national football team?

- In March we have a trip to Portugal for friendly matches with the local team. In the future there are already some agreements, there are proposals, we will consider them.