The desire to see with their own eyes how Ukrainians are forced to prepare abroad for World Cup playoff matches has been expressed by representatives of almost 20 media outlets from Slovenia, the UK, and Germany. Now, the press service of the UAF receives a large number of requests from journalists around the world regarding interviews with coaches and players of the Ukrainian national team. To satisfy the interest of the media, a press conference was organized featuring head coach of the blue-and-yellow Oleksandr Petrakov and a seasoned player Taras Stepanenko. Since Taras is fluent in English, an unusual situation arose: there were even slightly more questions for the footballer than for the coach. However, the main thing in team work — this is the result, and it is positive: all questions posed by masters of the pen and microphone, including Ukrainian ones (thanks to Zoom conferences), were answered.

Photo by the press service of UAF

In the open training session, 20 out of 23 players currently in the national team's camp participated. However, two others were also on the field, but performing individual exercises. Viktor Tsygankov, after an injury to his adductor muscle sustained at his club ten days ago, continues the rehabilitation process, while Mykhailo Mudryk is now nearing the final stage of individual work, which will allow him to join the general training process in the coming days. Meanwhile, Oleksiy Hushchylak, who felt pain in his knee the day before, went with a doctor for an MRI scan that will help diagnose the problem.

Photo by the press service of UAF

20 players from the national team continued to work on passing and ball control techniques today, which need to be restored after a long pause in official matches due to the war that has been ongoing in our country for 72 days. At the end of the training session, the players were divided into two groups — the national team members participated in game series, which traditionally significantly enhanced the competitive effect. One team maintained a minimal lead until the final whistle, while the other team relentlessly attacked their opponents' goal. Eventually, the leaders managed to catch the attackers off guard with a counterattack and secured a victory by two goals (4:2). Moral satisfaction for some — motivation for others to train tomorrow, as any results and game series today aim at one crucial task — preparing for the match on June 1.

Photo by the press service of UAF

First Vice President of UAF Anatoliy Demianenko, who spent six days with the national team before returning to Ukraine, summed up the initial stage of the blue-and-yellow's preparation in Slovenia: "It is very important that the Ukrainian national team has the opportunity to train under excellent football and living conditions, which are simply unique and even miraculous given the current war situation in our country.

Photo by the press service of UAF

Of course, it is difficult for players to focus solely on football when they constantly think about home and check news from their relatives in Ukraine. But you can see how diligently the head coach and his assistants work, and this energy is transmitted to all the boys.

Photo by the press service of UAF

Having spent a week with the footballers, I see how much they want to achieve what their coach aims for them every day — to secure a ticket to Qatar. The self-sacrifice, faith, and desire of the entire team to give Ukraine this desired result and lift the spirits of the nation are simply palpable in the air. So, as far as I am concerned, everything is coming together like one puzzle."

Oleksandr Hlyvinskyi, press secretary of the national team

List of players called up from Ukrainian clubs

Goalkeepers: Georgiy Bushchan («Dynamo» Kyiv), Andriy Pyatov, Anatoliy Trubin (both — «Shakhtar» Donetsk), Dmytro Riznyk («Vorskla» Poltava).

Defenders: Oleksandr Karavayev, Illia Zabarny, Oleksandr Syrota, Denys Popov (all — «Dynamo» Kyiv), Mykola Matviienko, Serhiy Krivoshtchok, Viktor Korniienko, Valeriy Bondar, Yurym Konoplia (all — «Shakhtar» Donetsk).

Midfielders: Taras Stepanenko, Mykhailo Mudryk (both — «Shakhtar» Donetsk), Serhiy Sidorchuk, Viktor Tsygankov, Mykola Shaparenko, Vitaliy Buyalskyi, Denys Harmash (all — «Dynamo» Kyiv), Serhiy Buletsa («Zorya» Luhansk), Oleksandr Pihalonyk, Oleksiy Hushchylak (both — SK «Dnipro-1»).

Forwards: Artem Dovbyk (SK «Dnipro-1»), Artem Besedin («Dynamo» Kyiv).