Dynamo Kyiv midfielder Volodymyr Brazhko spoke live on Football Hub following his team’s comeback victory (2:1) over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukrainian Cup Round of 16.
– You came on as a substitute today and after your header the ball eventually led to Dynamo’s second goal. Would you say this is the most important win for Dynamo this season so far?
– First of all, a lot of fans came to support us today and we’re very grateful for that. This win became possible thanks to them. When I was warming up before the second half they were applauding, encouraging us, pushing the team forward. In the first half maybe there was a bit of nervousness but it is what it is – and thank God we won.
As for the second goal I wouldn’t say it was my merit – it was the whole team’s effort. I did head the ball, of course I wanted to score but it’s great that Guerrero finished it off. Otherwise, I’d have been very upset.
– In the first half, even though you weren’t on the pitch, it was clear that Shakhtar were applying heavy pressure. Dynamo only had their first shot toward goal in the 41st minute. Did you feel, sitting on the bench, that the main task before halftime was simply to hold on?
– That’s football – you never know what might happen in the next few minutes. Of course it was difficult and it’s good that we didn’t concede before halftime.
– What instructions did you receive before coming on? Were you told to shoot more or mainly to help defensively on your own half?
– Mainly to help the team overall and play more progressively since we were trailing. I had to make the game sharper and move it forward. You saw that they dropped off in the second half and we started creating more chances. You could say that after the break we switched roles with Shakhtar (smiles). It’s great that we won and I want to congratulate all the fans on this victory.
