The coach is pleased with the team’s performance
Head coach Ukrainian national team Sergey Rebrov I was pleased with the team’s performance in the match with Italy (0:0) in qualifying European Championship 2024.
“Regarding the moment in stoppage time, I also think that there was a clear penalty, but there is VAR. From my point of view, it was 11 meters. But we don’t decide this. Surely they didn’t see the foul when looking at VAR. There are people watching.”
“We had a game plan. We played against the reigning European champion. It is very difficult to constantly put pressure on this team from the first minutes. Therefore, in the first half we concentrated more on defense, and in the second we played more intensely, pressed more, thanks to this we took the ball back and created chances. Yes, now the guys are very upset because they did not achieve results. But I think they showed a good game, I can only thank them.”
“Of course it’s hard. Few people believed in us. We fought until the last game. I am grateful to the players with whom we have been working together for about six months. They showed an understanding of our game and showed the Ukrainian character. As you all know, the war in Ukraine continues. This is hard for players who are always looking at their phones, following the news, just like me. It’s not easy to work in this atmosphere. But we all understand that we represent a strong country, which we demonstrated on the field. We showed character and fought for our country.”
“I love playing in Germany, I’m sure the players love it here too. I am grateful to Leverkusen and Germany for the opportunity to play in this magnificent stadium. There was a wonderful atmosphere during the anthem. The Italians applauded us – this is a very emotional thing. This match was shown in many countries. The Italians showed respect and support for Ukraine, the atmosphere was great.”
Ukraine took third place in Group C with 14 points, losing to Italy in head-to-head matches. Let us remind you that in Milan, Squadra Azzurra won with a score of 2:1. In addition to the Italians, England, which took first position, received a direct ticket to Euro 2024 from Group C.
Sergei Rebrov’s team will now compete for access to Euro 2024 in the Nations League playoffs. The blue-and-yellows will be waiting for the “final four” of division A or division B – this will be decided by a draw.
If they get into the playoffs of Division B, the Ukrainian team’s opponents will be Bosnia and Herzegovina and Israel, as well as Finland or Iceland. If we get into the playoffs of Division A, our team will have to compete with Poland, Estonia, as well as Wales or Croatia.
Source: Sportarena
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