Taras Stepanenko: "I remember the game with North Macedonia at Euro-2020, it was very difficult"

15.06.2023 19:05

Photo of UAF press service

Midfielder of the national team of Ukraine Taras Stepanenko took part in a press conference on the eve of the Euro-2024 qualification match with the team of North Macedonia together with head coach Sergey Rebrov.

— In a friendly match against Germany (3:3) you personally worked against Kimmich. North Macedonia has a similar footballer — Elmas. How similar will your tasks be for tomorrow's match?

— To be honest, I did not play personally with Kimmich. He was active in the area where I was, so we often met there. We don't play individually now, it's a different football, Serhii Stanislavovich definitely didn't ask for it. Now all teams at this level have very good players. You named the representative of North Macedonia. Indeed, one should pay attention to such performers. We will try to cope with such a player as Elmas.

— In the final tournament of Euro-2020, the national team of Ukraine also met with North Macedonia (2:1). what do you rememberdo you miss that match? How much has the opposing team changed since then?

— Indeed, I remember that game, it was very difficult. For a while we were leading and had more chances, kept the ball. But then they didn't score a penalty, the opponent seized the initiative, had two or three very dangerous moments, and we were lucky in the end. This is a good team, we are preparing for it very seriously. If my memory serves me right, many football players of that national team who played with us at the Euros have now also received a challenge. Also, they acted according to the same tactical scheme as now.

The next match of the national team of Ukraine will be held as part of the Euro-2024 selection — on June 16 against North Macedonia. The game will take place in Skopje at the "Toshe Proesky" stadium (start at 21.45:XNUMX p.m. Kyiv time).