The Ukrainian national team, which is preparing for World Cup 2022 qualification matches against Finland (October 9 in Helsinki) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (October 12 in Lviv), conducted another training day in Kyiv.

Yesterday, during the practice at NTK named after V. Bannikov, players of the blue-and-yellow shared their thoughts about upcoming matches.

Taras Stepanenko (midfielder)

— We are conducting two training sessions, but they are not particularly difficult. In the morning, we work on tactics. Before the previous gathering, there was no time for intensive training, now we have more time. We are making full use of this opportunity to be ready for Finland and Bosnia.

Finland is a good team, has improved significantly lately. The opponent played at Euro 2020, showed decent play, has fairly good players. Therefore, we prepare very seriously, with great concentration, fully understanding that this is the most important match in the qualification.

At least in three out of five previous matches, we could and should have won because we had an advantage and more opportunities. But unfortunately, something is missing. Perhaps luck, or maybe somewhere we are not working hard enough. I hope that we will break this situation and finally win.

Eduard Sobolev (defender)

— The opponents are not easy. Both fans and players expect a victory. We will do everything in our power to earn six points. This won't be easy, but the preparation is going well. I believe all the guys will be ready for the matches.

There's always high competition in the team. I wish Vitaliy Mykolenko a speedy recovery. Competition is always good because you progress. We have enough players who can replace each other. We are preparing and getting into shape for bright and tough matches.

Dmytro Ryndzak (goalkeeper)

— Everything is good, we work as usual in a good mood. Finland is a good team that plays at quite a high level. We will prepare very carefully.

It's great to train with such partners. In our goalkeeping department, everything is fine, we joke about our topics. Vyacheslav Kornienko and I have worked together before at the U-20 level. My task is to work hard, and as for my place in the starting lineup, that will be decided by the coach.