Taras Stepanenko: For me personally, this victory means a lot

18.06.2021 11:00

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

Midfielder of the national team of Ukraine Taras Stepanenko shared his emotions after the first victory at Euro 2020.

Yesterday Andriy Shevchenko's wards won over the team of North Macedonia (2: 1). The full match for the blue-and-yellows was played by Taras Stepanenko, who later spoke about certain nuances of the game and his self-feeling.

"It is an important victory for us. For me, this is the first victory in the European Championship finals. And for me personally, it means a lot. I would like to dedicate it to my family, because only these people know how far I went to be here with the team today, how much work I did to get to the tournament. I am very happy.

After the match, Andriy Shevchenko only greeted everyone, because he gave a lot of emotions and feelings. The score was slippery, rivals ran forward, trying to score. The Dutch in the match with us thought that the game was already done, relaxed and conceded two goals. Therefore, we need to stay focused from the first minute until the last.

The Macedonians scored after a penalty, but we didn't? I think there would be questions if the wrong footballer, who kicked a penalty, scored in our goal. And yes - everything was very fast, it was difficult to control. As for Ruslan Malinovskyi's penalty, I ran next to my opponent, so I don't remember who scored the ball and how.

I feel fine. Today were very complicated weather conditions, a lot of water was lost by the body. I don't even remember the last time I had seizures. I think this is the result of dehydration.

Very cool atmosphere at the stadium, thanks to the fans for their support. We won, because of them. They performed well the Red Route and the National Anthem of Ukraine before the match. It inspired and gave wings”, - Stepanenko summed up.