In November, Ukraine won two qualifying matches for the 2023 World Cup
Head coach of the Ukrainian national team Ainars Bagatskis commented on victories in two qualifying matches for the 2023 World Cup against the Netherlands and Iceland.
“I am very happy with these victories. Believe me, there were very big fears before the matches and looking ahead I want to say that the most important thing in this window was the victories. There were problems in the playing practice of the national team players in the clubs and it is important to consider the roles in which they are used. Vojnalovic, for example, does not play at all in the position of the third number in his club, but plays in positions 4-5.
“I won’t say anything new, but basketball starts with ball handlers. We lost Sanon and Kovlyar due to injuries, Zotov did not heal his injury. I was afraid that something might happen to Sidorov and Lukashov, because we were left with two little ones. That is why we invited Tyrtyshnik, thanks to him – he really helped the team.
“The fitness factor is also important: if a player does not have regular game practice and his legs are not used to the corresponding loads, then the main thing was not to overload the team during these four training sessions. Some players said that it was too much training, but I think it was resort training. We wanted to restore mutual understanding, to choose what we play in specific games, to remember the old and add something new. And what was conceived worked 100%.
“I am glad that we have more or less prepared the team well, but I am very sorry for Denis Lukashov, who frankly received an overload in terms of play. I would also like to note that we adequately replaced Sidorov when he got injured. Tyrtyshnik helped with moments, Tkachenko and Lipova with moments.
In November, the Ukrainian team beat the Netherlands and Iceland in the qualification for the 2023 World Cup. The Ukrainians remained in fourth place and are one point behind Iceland, which is in third place. Recall that three teams will qualify for the next round of selection for the 2023 World Cup.
The next qualifying match will take place in February. The national team of Ukraine on the road will play with Italy.
Source: Sportarena
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