Danyil Abakshyn: "We are all delighted to have reached the playoffs and will keep pushing step by step"

22.09.2024 13:05

Danyil Abakshin, the scorer for Ukraine in their Futsal World Cup 2024 match against Afghanistan (4:1) and FIFA's Player of the Match, shared his thoughts on the game. The press service of the Futsal Association of Ukraine provided the interview.

— After the game, when it became clear that we made the playoffs, there seemed to be no emotions in the locker room. Why was that, and how do you feel about advancing to the knockout stage?

— As we've said before, we need to take it step by step, and we are doing just that. Speaking about emotions, maybe the fatigue was starting to show a bit. I can't speak for everyone, but in any case, we are all delighted to have reached the playoffs, and we'll keep trying to move forward, step by step.

— You strongly impacted the game (assist, goal, earning a penalty). You've come a long way in a short time with this team, and now you've been named Player of the Match at the World Cup. How does that feel?

— It’s honestly goosebumps-inducing. I can't describe the emotions. It's a huge motivation to work even harder. It feels like a dream that's getting closer and closer every day. Being named Player of the Match is incredible, and we'll see what happens next.

— We also want to ask about the moment with the first goal and the penalty decision. It was clear that the coaching staff immediately ran to request a video review after the foul. What do you think of their decision to ask for a video review?

— It was brilliant! The coaching staff acted very wisely. From my perspective on the pitch, I went to the referee and asked if it was a penalty or not. At first, he waved it off, but after the review, he awarded the six-meter penalty. It’s great that we have this option and that the coaching staff made the right call.

— In the Round of 16, we’ll face Netherlands. Your debut match at Euro was against this team, and you mentioned that your legs felt like "stones" back then. What do you know about this Dutch squad, and what do they bring to the table?

— My legs felt like "stones" against Argentina, too. Our first few games were a bit chaotic. I think we need to review the Dutch game against Paraguay. I’ve already watched their match with Uzbekistan. They’re a strong team. They've improved significantly, climbing the FIFA and UEFA rankings. They outplayed Paraguay, who comfortably topped their group. I think it’ll be an exciting match.

Futsal World Cup 2024: Final Tournament

Group A: Uzbekistan, Netherlands, Paraguay, Costa Rica.

Group B: Brazil, Cuba, Croatia, Thailand.

Group C: Argentina, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Angola.

Group D: Spain, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Libya.

Group E: Portugal, Panama, Tajikistan, Morocco.

Group F: Iran, Venezuela, Guatemala, France.

September 15, 2024

Afghanistan — Angola — 6:4

Argentina — Ukraine — 7:1

September 18, 2024

Angola - Ukraine - 2:7

Argentina - Afghanistan - 2:1

September 21, 2024

Ukraine - Afghanistan - 4:1

Angola - Argentina - 5:9

Standings

Round of 16

September 24, 2024

37. Brazil — 3ASD (15:30, Bukhara)

38. Netherlands — Ukraine (18:00, Tashkent)

September 25, 2024

39. Spain — 3BEF (15:30, Andijan)

40. Paraguay — 3CDE (18:00, Tashkent)

September 26, 2024

41. 1F — 2E (15:30, Bukhara)

42. 1E — Kazakhstan (18:00, Andijan)

September 27, 2024

43. Thailand — 2F (15:30, Bukhara)

44. Argentina — 3ABF (18:00, Tashkent)

Quarter-finals

September 29, 2024

45. Winner of 37 vs. Winner of 41 (15:30, Bukhara)

46. Winner of 38 vs. Winner of 39 (18:00, Tashkent)

September 30, 2024

47. Winner of 43 vs. Winner of 40 (15:30, Bukhara)

48. Winner of 42 vs. Winner of 44 (18:00, Tashkent)

Semi-finals

October 2, 2024

49. Winner of 46 vs. Winner of 45 (18:00, Tashkent)

October 3, 2024

50. Winner of 48 vs. Winner of 47 (18:00, Tashkent)

Third-place Playoff

October 6, 2024

Loser of 49 vs. Loser of 50 (15:30, Tashkent)

Final

October 6, 2024

Winner of 49 vs. Winner of 50 (18:00, Tashkent)

Match times are in Kyiv time.