On May 1, the Ukraine national team began preparations for the playoff matches of the 2022 World Cup and League of Nations. Later, players from Kyiv's "Dynamo" joined the team after playing a charity match against Swiss "Basel" on May 4. Defender Oleksandr Karavaev and midfielder Mykola Shaparenko shared their emotions upon arriving at the blue-and-yellow team’s location.

Oleksandr Karavaev: «We flew early in the morning, so we're a bit tired. But we'll rest and be ready. As for the match against 'Basel,' it was charitable like all others. Emotions are overwhelming when we win and know why we play these matches. The collected funds go to help our compatriots.

When we win, it adds optimism and a desire for victory. During charity games, we see how many Ukrainians come to support us. This is very good. It strengthens the thought of our quickest victory. Everyone sees how not only our nation but also other nations helping us have united.

No training can replace matches. Even if it's a charitable or exhibition match, you feel different emotions and conditions; you experience the rhythm of the game. So you get into shape through matches.

We know why we gather in the national team. Every day at training and then in games, we will give everything for victory. Just as our soldiers defend our country, — so too will we give all our strength on the football field. This is what we can do best.»

Mykola Shaparenko: «I'm very happy to return to the national team, train and prepare for our main match on June 1. Our conditions are good; we had decent training sessions in Bucharest with good sparring matches. We immediately got back to work — one day off, then training.

My relatives are mostly safe. I talk to them every day and find out about the situation, whether everything is okay. The entire Ukrainian nation awaits a victory from the team, so we will try not to let them down.»

Recall that the 1/2 final playoff match of the World Cup 2022 qualifier between Scotland and Ukraine is scheduled for June 1 at Hampden Park Stadium in Glasgow.