The head coach of Ukraine's futsal team, Oleksandr Kosenko, shared the team's future plans and commented on the successful performance of home students at the 2022 World Championships.

Recently, in Braga and Gimareshes, Portugal, the world championship for student teams took place. The Ukrainian men's team became silver medalists of the tournament, losing to Brazil in the final.

The coach of Ukraine's student team at the 2022 World Championship was Oleksandr Kosenko, head coach of the national futsal team. His comments after the tournament are provided by the press service of the Futsal Association of Ukraine.

— Mr. Oleksandr Petrovich, the Ukrainian student team secured second place at the World Championship. What impressions did the tournament leave and what conclusions could you draw about the team's performance?

— I believe that the boys deserved to win. This is my personal opinion. First of all, considering how the final match went. The team showed incredible emotions, selflessness, and skill. We also scored truly beautiful goals. Unfortunately, it didn't work out. Silver medals are a good result. However, we wanted more. Even if you analyze the first game against Brazil, the boys were tied in score but closer to the end of the match it was clear that they couldn't win even one goal. Instead, throughout the second game, we led in the score and were closer to victory. So it's really very disappointing that we didn't manage to get gold medals.

— What was missing for a victory in the final?

— Probably, the thing is that we were playing against Brazil's national team. This is indeed a strong opponent who is at a high level. In my opinion, this team could have competed well on any forum. Our boys gave their all.

— How did the two matches against Brazil differ from each other?

— The difference is indeed great. Before the group stage match, we already beat Slovakia and had a game against Oman ahead of us. Of course, we played for victory in the first meeting as well. Unfortunately, it didn't work out. Before the final, we better analyzed our mistakes from the previous encounter with the opponent. We knew what needed to be worked on.

— Based on tournament results, MVP was awarded to Andriy Melnyk and Oleksandr Suchov was named the best goalkeeper. How nice is it to have two nominees in your team?

— Actually, many boys deserved to be recognized in various nominations. It's pleasant that throughout the tournament, representatives from different countries approached us and were interested in Ukrainian players. This shows that the team managed to present itself well and demonstrated top qualities. Successful play was the reason why the boys were honored by the organizers of the tournament, specialists, and just fans. For this they come onto the court.

— The matches of the student world championship became your first as head coach after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. How has the attitude towards Ukraine changed abroad?

— Of course, more attention is paid to our country. Support is very great. People from other teams approach and ask about the situation. This inspires. However, we want the war to end as soon as possible. Naturally, with our victory!

— Did the national team's coaching staff take any players under consideration after the tournament results?

— All futsalists who made it into the student team or play in the youth team are still within our radar. Indeed, most of the boys from the student team had no experience being called up to the national team before. However, if we paid attention to them, then we don't just bring them to the World Championship among student teams, play and forget about it. We understand that we need to work for the future. Everyone has equal chances to make it into the national team.

— Recently the calendar of matches was published for Ukraine's national team in the main round of European World Cup qualification 2024. What can you say about the group where our team will play?

— Of course, the Netherlands' national team is a significant opponent for us after the last Euro. We want to beat them. The Kosovo team is also well known to us. They have enough material to analyze our game as well. We will prepare and try to stick to our own style of play.

— How long will the preparation for Ukraine's national team last before official matches?

— During UEFA's September window, we plan to hold a training session and two friendly games.