On October 14 in Paris, the Ukraine national team defeated North Macedonia in a Euro-2024 qualification match with a score of 2:0. The second goal against the opponent was scored by defender Oleksandr Karavaev. After the game, he shared his impressions from the match. 

"As they say, only the first and last are remembered. So I remember the incredible support of fans when we came onto the field and throughout the entire match, as well as the final goal, naturally. It turned out very well. I want to repeat once again that history is really cyclical because eight years ago on October 9, I made my debut for the national team against this same team. And also came on as a substitute in the 86th minute with the score at 1:0, and then we scored another goal in the 91st minute. Back then it wasn't me, but now it was me who managed to do it. Very pleasant."

The entire team did what the coaching staff instructed. We played very well defensively, while everyone could see that we were capable of creating many opportunities in attack. Perhaps a bit more realization would have helped. With the score at 1:0, we continued to show the game that is characteristic for us, and then sealed it with another goal. Of course, one wants to realize all chances so that the game is calmer, but things happened as they did. The main thing — a victory. There are two more matches left, so we will prepare for them as best as possible.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

Although I came on in the 87th minute, but sometimes you have five, seven, ten minutes and within them you can do a lot of good. Perhaps in defensive work, helping both from behind and ahead. Playing smartly and correctly. That's what Serhiy Rebrov told me when he asked me to come on as a substitute for an attacker. It was necessary to play more disciplined defensively because the Macedonians were pushing forward with all their might. On the other hand, after interceptions we had opportunities to counterattack. There were two or three moments before my goal when we could have sealed the match.  

Everyone knows what is happening in our country right now and wants the war to end as soon as possible so that we can win, and fans return to stadiums in their hometowns. But everyone sees that even if we play abroad, support is there. Perhaps it was this support that made the opponent realize that they had to lose. The support was incredible! Also memorable was how the fans supported us not by sitting but standing up. Imagine, two hours on your feet supporting players. This once again shows what an unbreakable and strong people we have. Here our soldiers of the Armed Forces are a good example for us, great thanks to them. 

If you look at recovery for the next match, it's good that the game took place not late in the evening. This is very important because, as they say, there are no extra hours for recovery. We have a strong coaching staff who will analyze Malta's game and tell us how we need to act to achieve a positive result. In addition, we must prepare mentally. Understand that easy matches won't be coming our way. We just saw that the same North Macedonia is a very strong, disciplined team with good players in attack. But as it turned out, we are much stronger. We did everything right," — said Oleksandr Karavaev.

We remind you that the Euro-2024 qualifier match between Malta and Ukraine will take place on October 17 in Ta' Qali (kickoff — at 9:45 PM Kyiv time).