After the qualifier match against Azerbaijan in Krakow (2:1), head coach of the Ukrainian national team, Serhiy Rebrov, answered journalists' questions.

— Mr. Serhiy, sum up the match results.

— It was a very important game, three crucial points. The responsibility showed on the players. After the victory in Iceland it was very important to win today as well. So there was some nervousness, especially in the second half when we needed to push forward. Before the match, the media pointed out that five key attacking players were missing from our team. It wasn't easy. But I am grateful that those who came on did their utmost and secured this very important result.

— From the first minutes, Yurym Konovaly was actively involved in attacks — was this a coaching instruction or his own initiative?

— We needed to score and all players understood that and got involved in attacking. Not only Konovaly but also Vitaliy Mykolenko, Illia Zabarnyi, and Maksym Matviienko. In the first half we created enough chances, we just didn't convert them enough. Unfortunately, Yurym was injured at the end of the first half and couldn't continue playing.

— After the first match in Baku, you drew attention to the quality of the field. Today's pitch was in good condition, but Ukraine's national team still had difficult moments during the game. 

— Because Azerbaijan's national team is a high-level squad. They play very compactly in defense. Iceland gave us plenty of space which we managed to use. Today there was no such space. Any team that defends tightly is hard to break down. Also, as we've mentioned before, five key attacking players are injured for us. So it was tough.

At this level all opponents are very difficult. A club from Azerbaijan is currently playing in the Champions League.

— What did you talk about with the players during halftime? What's the mood in the team after two wins?

— This game was tough because we unfortunately lost points in the first two matches. The players felt responsible, it was hard. During halftime we all understood that mistakes were made in the first half. We had moments, needed to push harder, work more and be patient. Azerbaijan's team was very organized defensively. I'm really glad our boys won this game.

— Considering the draw between Iceland and France, if Ukraine's national team wins the last two matches, they will come out in first place. Do you consider such an option?

— I believe for us now the most important thing is to have our injured key players back. These are attacking players who are very crucial. Yes, everyone did their utmost today, but we need to be at full strength to compete with any team including teams of France's level.

I believe that Ukraine's national team always plays for victory. But we play against an opponent who also tries to do something. In such matches, on this high level everything is possible. I'm sure we will fight in the match against France and in the match against Iceland.

— Could you explain the decision to replace a winger with a center-back when Bondar came out? What was the idea?

— Bondar can play right back, but at that moment we needed a strong defender. So Bondar came on as right back and we didn't play in three central defenders.

— Although there are two wins, they were very tough. How do you feel after them as a coach, as a person?

— I'm grateful that there weren't such questions that would have drawn me out of myself. So I feel fine. I know there could have been tougher questions. But I'm grateful to you for giving me some rest.

Recall, the next qualifier match for the 2026 World Cup will be played by blue and yellow on November 13 against the leader — France's national team (match start time: 9:45 PM Kyiv time).