Midfielder Ivan Andreiko shared his emotions after Dynamo U19’s 8:1 victory over Epitsentr in Round 18 of the Ukrainian U19 League:
– Great impressions, a big win over the opponent. We had a good first half, scored goals after quick attacks and combinations. They were quality goals. We relaxed a bit in the second half but still finished off the opponent at the end and achieved a good result.
– Can this match be called the perfect start to the second part of the season?
– In principle, yes, it can be called ideal.
– The team’s previous official match was in early February against Atlético in the UEFA Youth League. How did the team maintain its competitive rhythm to be ready for today’s game?
– After the match against Atlético we continued our training process in Turkey and played additional friendly matches. Then four of us, including myself, went to the Ukraine U18 national team and played against a strong opponent – Italy. We drew one match and won the other. Guys who stayed in Kyiv also continued training. Everyone prepared well for the first league game and we won.
– In the first round Dynamo drew with Epitsentr. Was there any nervousness or, on the contrary, sporting anger before this match?
– I didn’t play in the first-round match because I was recovering from an injury. Before today’s game we talked among ourselves about the draw in the first match and wanted to correct that situation. I think we managed to do that.
– You scored a brace in the first 28 minutes. Were you thinking about a hat-trick or maybe even more?
– Honestly I wasn’t thinking about a hat-trick or anything more. I just do my job and try to deliver results on the pitch. Maybe in the moment when I cut inside onto my left foot and hit the post I thought it would be nice to score a hat-trick. But it’s nothing serious – maybe it will happen in next matches.
– Dynamo often managed to break through on the flanks successfully. There were many crosses and cut-backs that even led to goals. What helped you exploit that area so well?
– It’s all practiced. We work on these situations in training: one-on-one, two-on-one, three-on-two. We practice it regularly and then we’re able to execute it in matches.
– In the next round Dynamo will face Polissia who are close to the top of the standings and whom Dynamo also failed to beat in the first round. Are you already thinking about the next opponent?
– Yes, we’re all already putting today’s result behind us and thinking about the next game. The opponent is not easy, they’re a good team with quality players. We’ll work hard during the week and prepare well for them.
