KOBIN: “There was a tactical error in Yarmolenko’s own goal”

Former defender of the national team of Ukraine Vasili Kobin He shared his impressions of the Ukrainian national team’s performance in the June matches.

– In my opinion, Alexander Petrakov’s wards looked good in the play-offs with Scotland and Wales. I think they were in good shape. It’s nice that the team managed to do a long training camp in Slovenia. But I think there were psychological problems because the players were very worried about what happened to their relatives and friends in Ukraine. It was impossible to get rid of these thoughts.

In general, the Ukrainians have claims only for the second duel in the League of Nations – with Ireland. Everything has already accumulated here: both fatigue and a little indifference from not being able to enter the last part of the world forum. It’s good that we managed to avoid defeat and retain a chance to get back to the elite group.

– What, in your opinion, is the main reason for the defeat of the blue-yellows in the decisive match to enter the World Cup with Wales?

– You are convinced once again that every little thing counts in football. Forget Roman Yaremchuk in the opening and everything could have gone according to a different scenario. An unfortunate tactical blunder occurred in Andriy Yarmolenko’s own goal. I believe that one of the central defenders or a defensive midfielder who plays more skillfully with his head should be in Andrey’s place. Finally, the referee was also surprised, who failed to score an obvious penalty against Galli after the same foul on Yarmolenko. And it so happened that although the conditions in Cardiff were dictated by the Ukrainians, the victory went to the hosts, who, frankly, did not play enough for them …

– Do you think Oleksandr Petrakov will continue to work with the Ukrainian national team?

“I think he did his job well. And although it is not possible to win a ticket to Qatar, I am convinced that the Ukrainian team will be at the helm when it plays in the League of Nations in September. And in case of success in the fights with Armenia and Scotland, Petrakov will make a substantial offer to continue the contract. .

AIM! 1:0. Yarmolenko, 34 minutes (own goal)