Myron Markevych: Ukraine will be able to stay in the Nations League's division A

17.10.2020 15:02

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

The UAF national teams' committee chairman Myron Markevych is optimistic about the last two matches of the blue-and-yellows in the Nations League.

Myron Markevych shared his opinion on the performances of the Ukrainian national team in the October matches.

- Was the national team of Ukraine in a weakened lineup able to show its teeth to the big teams?

- They not only showed their teeth, but also beat one of the strongest teams in the world - Spain. The blue-and- yellows looked decent in the match with Germany. After all, we must take into account the fact that Andrii Shevchenko's team was not in the optimal squad. However, those players who came on the field, showed their best play. Yes, after the friendly match with France, everyone in Ukraine was a little upset, but our team managed to get out of the situation.

- Is it right that Andrii Shevchenko sacrificed the match with the French in preparation for the games against the Germans and the Spaniards in the Nations League?

- I don't think so. It just turned out to be a coincidence. It took less than two days to prepare for the game against France, and Shevchenko has never had such a selection. And we got on a great team ...

- Can the match against Germany be included in the assets of the national team of Ukraine?

- Only second half. The blue-and-yellows began to go on the offensive. It felt like the team was coming to life.

- Against the Spaniards, our team played like in the good old days ...

- The game from defense has fully justified itself. It could not be otherwise. In open football, we are still inferior to Spain, and there is nothing wrong with the fact that our team had to mostly defend.

- It seemed that the Ukrainians lacked the last pass in this game.

- There were no Stepanenko, Malinovskyi, Zinchenko. They are the main performers in the midfield. These are very serious losses for the current national team of Ukraine. But Yarmolenko gave this pass to Tsyhankov in time. It was a masterpiece.

- What was the main factor in the victory of Andrii Shevchenko's wards in this match?

- Complete dedication, impeccable execution of the coaching setup and luck. For the most part, this is how the teams as ours can beat Spain.

- Was Bushchan the best player of the match?

- I would name all the guys who went out on the field. Tsyhankov, except the goal, revived the play in attack, but our goalkeeper caught the real courage.

- What are the prospects for the Ukrainian national team in the Nations League's group now?

- We will play further. For young footballers, such matches are an invaluable experience. We need to adjust to both Germany and Switzerland. Anything can happen, it's football. Although the strategic task of staying in Division A, the national team of Ukraine, I think, will fulfill.

- If everyone is healthy in November, will we be stronger?

- Without doubts. It is important that there is a replacement for our leading performers in both defense and midfield. The situation allowed us to see Bushchan, Zabarnyi, and Zubkov at such a level. In the match with the Spaniards in the middle of the field Shaparenko looked good. I want to wish Tsyhankov that after all his injuries he will get in shape faster. Victor has great potential. Such a goal, which the midfielder scored against Spain, an ordinary player would not score. In general, I am optimistic about the last two matches of the national team of Ukraine in the group round of the Nations League.