Andriy Shevchenko: I want to congratulate all Ukrainian fans on this historic moment!

30.06.2021 03:03

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

The head coach of the national team of Ukraine Andriy Shevchenko held a press conference after the match with Sweden in 1/8 Euro 2020 final ((2: 1 in extra time).

- I want to congratulate all Ukrainian fans on this historic moment, - said Andriy Shevchenko. - The guys played just for them. We are very pleased that although it was difficult to get here, we were supported by the Ukrainian diaspora. We heard you, thank you very much for such wonderful support. Greetings to all of Ukraine, to our President, who also supported us. We know that the whole country watched the match and cheered for us.

As for Artem Besedin's injury, the doctor examined him. We hope that the knee ligaments are not damaged. The blow was very serious. We are upset at this point. Indeed, this happens in football. This is one of the most difficult moments, even at this level. Artem has passed difficult tests in recent years. He recently had children born. We all support him, he is with us. The boys will play against England even for Besedin.

- After all today's injuries, is there anyone left to play?

- Now after the match there are so many emotions and everything else. Doctors dealt more with Besedin. Tomorrow morning we will understand the condition of him and other players. The match was tough, difficult, especially at the end. Everyone understood what was at stake. No team wanted to give up, so there were so many challenges on the pitch.

- Sweden are the opponents who play and allow others to do so. Ukraine and England can also be attributed to such teams. Are we more comfortable playing with such opponents?

- Sweden are well-organized team with a certain style. This team likes to play more as the second number. Our task was first of all to secure the flanks and saturate the areas where the Swedes had the advantage. We chose a different system of play and tactics. I am grateful to the players for the fact that they did everything perfectly.

- Eight days of rest before the match with Sweden were very appropriate. Only four days before the match with England. Will the team be able to recover?

- Now it is almost the final part of the tournament. It is very good that we had so much time to prepare for the game. Now it will be less time. We will recover football players first of all physically and psychologically. A lot of effort was given.

- Do you believe that you can pass England? How difficult will the quarterfinal match be?

- To achieve this result, we need to have faith and resilience. Today the players showed it on the field. England are strong with good performers and a long bench. I watched the first half of their match with Germany. This is a very powerful team, I know it very well. They have a very good coach. We understand how difficult the tie will be. Now the most important thing is to regain our strength. We will start training tomorrow. We will try to impose on the British something that will allow us to achieve a positive result.

- What are the plans of the national team of Ukraine for the coming days?

- Tomorrow the team flies to Rome. In the morning there will be a training in Glasgow, and at about 16.00 we have a plane.