Zinchenko on celebrating his goal: It was the initiative of the whole team

National team midfielder Ukraine Alexander Zinchenko after the match with Albania (2:1) in Division B1 of the Nations League, he spoke about the details of his goal celebration.

Zinchenko marked his mark in the 7th minute and showed off a T-shirt with the number “1000”. Just yesterday, on the day of the blue-yellow match, was the thousandth day of Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine.

“This was an initiative of the whole team, because we understand what [сегодня] day. 1000 days our heroes defend our state, 1000 days of indestructible Ukraine. I feel like I can’t describe what’s inside me. I can’t even imagine when I’m in England how hard it is for our people all the time.”

“I hope that peaceful skies will come pretty soon. I’m proud to be Ukrainian. I want to tell all Ukrainians not to give up and to be together, as they have been during this time. I would like to dedicate the victory to all Ukrainians who are in Ukraine and beyond.”

The blue-and-yellows carried out a combination on the left flank, Roman Yaremchuk’s shot was blocked by the defenders, after which the ball bounced to Zinchenko. The midfielder hit the bottom corner of the Albanians’ goal with a half-volley.

Alexander surpassed Andrei Voroby and Andrei Gusin in the list of scorers, who each have nine goals for the national team. Note that the midfielder played his 69th match for the national team.

The blue-and-yellows took second place in Group B1 of the Nations League and will play in the playoffs for the right to promotion to Division A. The Ukrainians’ opponents could be the national teams of Scotland, Hungary, Serbia or Belgium. The draw will take place on Friday, November 22. The playoff matches themselves will take place next year – on March 20 and 23.