On October 18, an exclusive meeting of representatives of the Ukrainian national team with the press and fans took place at a partner location — in the museum-cultural complex of beer history "Lviv Brewery".

Photo by Evgeny Kravets

The goal of the unique event was to feel the emotions of the players from the October games against North Macedonia (2:0) and Malta (3:1), as well as assess the prospects for the team's qualification to Euro 2024. Participants in the event included footballers of the national team Taras Stepanenko, Georgy Sudakov, Oleksandr Karavaev and Georgy Bushchan.

Taras Stepanenko (midfielder of Ukraine's national team):

"We can only positively evaluate our performance because we took a step towards the goal, earning six points. We maintain good chances to qualify for Euro 2024. In November, we will prepare for the most important match of the year. I hope very much that we will be able to achieve our goal.

It's unpleasant when key players are out — Cigankov and Yarmolenko could not help us. Everyone was worried whether we would manage to close these 'holes.' Thank God, the boys who replaced them played well. Viktor has already returned to training, while Andriy underwent surgery and needs more time for recovery. He is the captain and leader of the team, his presence in the locker room is very important, so we are waiting for his return.

Photo by Evgeny Kravets

Every match in the qualifying round is important, but games against strong opponents give us strength, energy and satisfaction. That's why I would highlight this qualification tournament meeting with England when we played a night game."

Oleksandr Karavaev (defender of Ukraine's national team):

"My goal against North Macedonia? It turned out that the opposing team had given all their strength to score at least one goal, and I was fresh as I just came on the field, so I had enough energy for a shot. I saw that the goalkeeper came out — it was necessary to score.

In our team, there is a friendly atmosphere, which all footballers talk about. We can gather together in someone's room, in a hall, after lunch or dinner, we can chat for hours. This raises our morale and adds understanding on the football field. Such an atmosphere contributes to achieving good results.

Photo by Evgeny Kravets

I wouldn't say that in the game with Malta we approached the opponent unseriously. In recent years, all teams are leveling out, players play in stronger championships. The match was two days after the third one, a sharp change of climate... Most importantly, we returned to the game and achieved the necessary result.

There are games when we do not show the level of football that is expected from us. But I have never seen boys come out with their hands down or not wanting to win. On a football field something can go off plan, for example, our conceded goal against Malta. So the main thing — follow the coach's instructions. If we stick to them, then at the end of the match the desired result always comes.

We are preparing for victory over Italy. We understand that at this stage everything depends on us. We have earned six points; ahead is the most important game. We have time to prepare for it. The main thing — everyone arrives healthy, and we will do everything for a win."

Georgy Sudakov (midfielder of Ukraine's national team):

"The most important thing is that we won both matches; they were very difficult games. We took a step forward, now preparing for Italy, this match will decide the fate of our qualification.

Which matches in the qualifiers are memorable? All games were crucial and important. Maybe against Italy, because of my mistake... Probably, the most emotional was the game with North Macedonia away when we came back from 0:2. A bright and turning point moment.

Photo by Evgeny Kravets

It's very pleasant to play for the national team, and when you score, it gives you double emotions. But the main thing is that the team wins.

Serhiy Rebrov focuses on pressing and exiting from defense in training; we want to constantly play with the ball. But we have little time for preparation before games, so it's hard to work everything out. If we manage to work something specific — that's great.

Connection on the field with Mykhailo Mudryk? Everyone knows how quality a footballer he is; this player of Chelsea. It's great that he started playing in the lineup, stepped up to a new level, adapted somewhat. I'm very happy for him and hope he will score even more goals in the future."

Georgy Bushchan (goalkeeper of Ukraine's national team):

"Anything is possible in football. We have time to prepare for Italy, the main thing is that injuries bypass our players. That match will be decisive; we will put all efforts into achieving a result.

Photo by Evgeny Kravets

How important is the support of fans at the stadium? Playing for a club and national team — completely different emotions. When you come out on the field during a match of the national team and hear the support of your fellow fans, it gives you strength. You want to give everything for the result."

Also "Lvivske" invited fans who had an opportunity to ask questions, get autographs and take photos with their favorite footballers, as well as receive memorable souvenirs from the brand.

Photo by Evgeny Kravets