The author of Dynamo’s second goal in the Ukrainian Cup quarterfinal against Inhulets (2:0) Oleksandr Pikhalonok shared his emotions after FC Dynamo Kyiv advanced to the semifinals.
– Dynamo defeat Inhulets and reach the semifinals of the Ukrainian Cup. What are your first thoughts after the game?
– It was a difficult match. Inhulets played with five defenders and it wasn’t easy to break down their defense. It was great that Guerrero scored at the beginning of the second half. It’s not that Inhulets opened up much more but that goal gave us confidence. We started creating more chances near their goal and eventually secured the win.
– Was the approach different before this Cup match compared to league games?
– You have to be 100 percent focused for every match. But we have no right to make mistakes either in the Cup or in the league. We can’t afford to drop points in the championship and in the Cup it’s a knockout game.
– Dynamo played their first official match this season against a First League side. How did it compare to facing Premier League clubs?
– It’s a very tough team. On this kind of pitch, when a team defends with a low block, it’s not easy to break them down. Inhulets left a good impression because they are well organized. They had a few moments today when they could have scored.
– Did Guerrero’s goal bring relief to the team on the pitch and on the bench?
– Yes, of course. When it’s 0:0 and we score, it gives confidence both to players on the field and those on the bench. I’m very happy that Guerrero scored – It will boost his confidence.
– When you came on as a substitute did you feel you would score?
– Whenever you play you always want to score. I had a feeling that we would score and take the lead. When I come on I try to implement what the coaching staff asks of me.
– What did the head coach say at halftime? It looked like Dynamo struggled in attack during the first half. Did you decide to change the approach?
– Yes, we made some adjustments. It wasn’t easy to break down Inhulets’ defense in the first half and they still had enough energy to maintain their tempo and close down the flanks. We didn’t create many chances. After we scored the first goal they started playing a bit more openly and we were able to control the ball more calmly and create dangerous moments.
– Were you surprised that Inhulets continued defending even while trailing?
– Not really. At 1:0 the game is still open. After they conceded the second goal that’s when they pushed forward as much as possible.
– Who would you like to face in the Ukrainian Cup semifinal?
– We were the first team to reach the semifinals so honestly I’m not thinking about that yet. Now we need to recover from this match and prepare for the game against Polissya. I’m focused on that match because it will be a very tough game against a very strong opponent.
