Semi-defender of the Ukraine youth team Artem Bondarenko shared his expectations for the playoff qualifier match for Euro-2023 (U-21) against Slovakia, which will take place on September 27 in the Polish city of Belsko-Biala at Municipal Stadium (kickoff - 6:30 PM Kyiv time). Taking into account the defeat in the away match (2:3), blue and yellow now need only a win.

"We are used to playing on natural fields, while the artificial turf in the previous game against Slovakia created some discomfort for us. This is not an excuse by any means, just a fact. The difference lies in everything - in feel, in ball bounce, in speed. Football people will understand that it's much harder to play on artificial grass."

Everyone understands that the playoff consists of two games, so we did not make a tragedy out of it, did not mourn, but immediately started recovering and preparing for the next match. It will be the most important one. Everything is in our hands. We always discuss things in the team, talk about mistakes, this is normal. Everyone understands what task stands before us.

We analyzed Slovakia, including the tricky actions of their players. I think that we will come out with a completely different attitude for this match. On the field there will be an entirely different team. Preparations? Our main preparation - to win the game and advance further.

I would like to thank those people who came to support us in Slovakia. There were many supporters. In Poland, we are waiting for even more support. In such matches when a lot depends on psychology, fan support is very important for us,"