Konoplya: We didn’t lose according to the game, we had more chances

Defender Ukrainian national team Efim Konoplya commented on the defeat from Albania (1:2) in the first round match Nations League 2024/25.

“The match turned out to be very difficult. We knew right away that Albania is a very principled, dangerous and inconvenient opponent, in principle, as is the whole group.”

“But I think that we didn’t lose based on the game, because we had more chances and took more shots at goal. We conceded from two counterattacks, we missed something in some places, and they were luckier in others. The goal corner also came after a counterattack.”

“The first goal was a mess. I think I headed the first ball and it hit someone. Then I fell on the foot of a player from the other team, and he shoved it in from a few meters.”

“We agreed at half-time to be more patient. We controlled the game in the first half, and we just needed to increase our possession and control of the game. That’s what we did: we scored a goal after the break, but then a set piece. When you concede after that, it’s difficult for every team – England, Spain, France. Everyone can concede after a set piece.”

Konoplya opened the scoring early in the second half of the match against Albania. However, the Albanians quickly equalized and then scored a second goal after a counterattack.

With three points, Albania leads Group B1 with Georgia, while the Ukrainian team is third thanks to a better goal difference than the Czech Republic.

In the next round, Rebrov’s team will play the Czech Republic on September 10. Like the match with the Albanians, the match will take place in Prague at the same stadium.