Ilya Zabarny: "I am happy that I scored the first goal for the Ukraine national team"

Ukraine national team defender Illia Zabarnyi commented on the Euro 2024 qualifying match against North Macedonia (3:2). "This is an important victory, important three points."

Ilya Zabarny: "I am happy that I scored the first goal for the Ukraine national team"

Photo by the press service of the UAF

Ukraine national team defender Illia Zabarnyi commented on the Euro 2024 qualifying match against North Macedonia (3:2).

"This is an important victory, three crucial points. I'm happy that I scored my first goal for the national team of Ukraine. This is also very important to me. I was able to help the team and am therefore very pleased. I've received many congratulations — from my family and relatives. Of course, this is nice, so thank you all for your support. 

However, it was a tough match. We slightly underperformed in the first half but regrouped in the dressing room during halftime to identify our mistakes. As a result, we came out with an entirely different attitude and improved our play. We started attacking more and calmly controlled the ball.

Of course, it's pleasant to perform well despite conceding two goals and then securing the final victory. This is important for all of our people who have both strength and spirit. I hope that such victories give hope to all Ukrainians,"— said Illia Zabarnyi.

The next match for Ukraine's national team will also be part of the Euro 2024 qualifying round — on June 19 against Malta. The game will take place in Trnava at Anton Malatinsky Stadium (kickoff at 7 PM Kyiv time).