Ukraine is confidently looking forward to the first group match at the European Championship against the Dutch national team. After Ukraine’s practice win over Cyprus (4-0) on Monday and the not-too-convincing preparation of the the Dutch squad, the Eastern European country is thinking of a stunt in the opening game on Sunday evening in Amsterdam. Former internationals Dmytro Mykhaylenko and Serhiy Kovalets note that the the Dutch is vulnerable.
Mykhaylenko, good for 23 caps for Ukraine between 1994 and 2000, tells UA-Football that he did not see the Dutch in action against Scotland (2-2), but he did against Georgie (3-0 win). “I think we can beat them. I think we are currently playing better than the Dutch. They are still changing formation: in the last game they played with three central defenders, looking for their best formation,” the former midfielder said. We have a good chance of a good start to the tournament.”
It will not be easy, emphasizes Mykhaylenko. “The Netherlands still has a good reputation. I think that based on the quality in our team, we can hope for a first or second place in the group. There is more hope than ever before.” Kovalets, national coach of the U23 team of Ukraine between 2013 and 2015, is positive about the preparation of the selection of Andriy Shevchenko. Four days before the win over Cyprus, Ukraine was also 1-0 too strong for Northern Ireland. “Our team now seems to be close to the top level. In the last week, the technical staff will fine-tune the last things,” he says.
“Although Cyprus is not the strongest opponent, the team has been able to refuel with confidence,” continues Kovalets, ten-time international between 1992 and 1994. “The Netherlands have a strong team, but struggle to control matches. The team does not look reliable, you saw that against the Scots. It seemed as if the players were mainly concerned with themselves and did not want to go to the end. I don’t want to underestimate the power of the Dutch, but I would say that the ratios are 55/45 percent in favor of Ukraine. Our team has real potential and it is important that it is fulfilled.”
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