Ukraine's half-defender Ruslan Malinovskiy, along with the national team's head coach Serhiy Rebrov, participated in a press conference ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifier match against Iceland in Warsaw.

— Captain of the Icelandic national team, Haukur Þórarinsson, when asked who among Ukrainians made the biggest impression in their first meeting, mentioned your name. Who from the opposition impressed you? What are your memories of that match and what expectations do you have for tomorrow's game? What could be the scenario?

— Perhaps he mentioned me because we also crossed paths at the club level when I was still playing for Marseille. Tomorrow will be a completely different game. First of all, we are playing at home. Secondly, their results depend on two matches, ours — only one victory. The responsibility will be much greater, so this match is like a final for us.

Of course, after the first meeting, we drew conclusions. What worked well needs to be repeated, and in those aspects where it didn't work out — improvements need to be made.

We have a very good team, everyone is charged up and seriously focused. I believe we are ready for this match.

— Considering the first match, what should Ukraine not allow Iceland to do tomorrow?

— They shouldn't be allowed to score. And I am confident that we will have an opportunity to score our own goal. The main thing is to play defense clearly because small details in such matches decide everything. When it all depends on one match, a conceded goal can complicate things greatly.

We need to be maximally focused from the first minute and not give the opponent any chance. Especially important is careful action during set pieces.

— The fact that only a victory will qualify Ukraine tomorrow — can this pressure help?

— Playing under pressure means greater responsibility, greater motivation, and greater concentration. I have played many matches at high levels — for the national team, in the Champions League. When I was younger, I worried more. Now you understand that there may not be many such encounters left until the end of your career. And it's always better to step onto the field with thoughts of victory.

Recall, the Ukraine — Iceland match will take place on Sunday, November 16 in Warsaw at the Legia Stadium (kickoff at 19:00 Kyiv time). For blue-and-yellow to advance to the playoffs, only a victory will suffice.