- The game was difficult, everyone’s tired both from physical and from psychological point of view. We all knew how important this match was.
- Yevhen, in the first half you had a conflict with Novakovic. What happened?
- He hit me with his elbow twice… Before that Fedetskyi was booked for such foul. Then Novakovic rushed to me and hit with his forehead. Eventually we both got yellow cards.
- So, injustice made you angry, didn’t it?
- I’m emotional person and I saturated myself in the game. You’re right, I’m totally for justice. Maybe it was my mistake. Maybe I should have stepped back.
- What is Slovenia strength?
- They have really good team. After the score became 2:0 we mostly defended as we got tired. Slovenia have high profile performers.
- In the first half Slovenia had good chances. Did you let them have opportunities because of emotions?
- That’ right. Their chances resulted from our mistakes. Slovenia relied on counterattacks. In the first half Novakovic had a good opportunity, but fortunately he didn’t stop the ball.
- President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko spent much time in the locker room after the match. What did he say?
- Actually he was there for 3-4 minutes. He congratulated us and said that we shouldn’t relax as we are in for the second leg.
- After Yarmolenko’s goal Ukraine stopped Slovenia counterattacks. Was that the crucial moment?
- They really attacked and counterattacked. I think we’ve coped with their midfielders and attacking players. What’s important is that we haven’t conceded.
- What are your emotions like after this game?
- Everyone’s tired. We are glad that we’ve won, but we mustn’t relax.
* photo by Y. Kravs
Copyright © 2015 FC Dynamo Kyiv
