The head coach of the Ukraine national team, Serhiy Rebrov, commented on the victory over North Macedonia (3:2) in Euro-2024 qualification:

— A very important and difficult match. We did not have enough time to prepare thoroughly for it. But I am grateful to the players. After the first half, we showed a different level of play. We earned crucial three points and will prepare for Malta.

— What happened with the team in the first 50 minutes of the match, as it seemed sluggish? What arguments did you find to wake them up?

— I believe that not only we were sluggish but also North Macedonia played very well. If you look at the composition of this team, it is quite serious. This team is very experienced and controlled the game in the first half. I am very grateful to the boys for how they rebuilt the game after halftime. Zabarny's goal was extremely important. After that, we were confident in our own strength.

— Wasn't the friendly match against Germany superfluous from a team freshness perspective?

— In my opinion, if you look at the first half, it was probably unnecessary. However, this friendly match was important for Ukraine and I am grateful to Germany. Looking at the result of the game against Germany, this match wasn't superfluous.

— The North Macedonian national team scored two goals, could have scored more. What happened with the Ukrainian national team after the 55th minute?

— I believe that this was around the 45th minute when we started playing more intensely. The important goal was scored then, and afterwards the team believed they could win. During halftime, players reconsidered what they could do in the second half and took control of the game.

— Did you ask Konoply to join the attack? How did he manage to score such a goal?

— Yes, I asked him. He not only joined the attack and scored a goal but also played very confidently in defense. One of the heroes of the match.

— Why does the Ukrainian national team concede so much? Why did you substitute Dovbik and Timchik during halftime?

— We only worked for five days, playing two matches. This time is very little. Yes, we concede a lot but also score a lot. Winning and earning points are more important. It's normal when an attacker doesn't enter the game. You need to change him in time. In future matches, these players will play more intensely.

— What specific advice did you give your players during halftime?

— To change the pace of the game. The hosts maintained a very strong tempo. We had to keep up with them. There were other pieces of advice as well, but I believe this was the most important one since there wasn't any rhythm in the first half.

— How do you view Matviyenko's recent mistakes?

— Everyone makes mistakes. It is very important that the team helps and corrects them. We shouldn't talk about individual players. We conceded but won, which is crucial. The most important thing was that there was a team on the field.