Nazar Ivaskiv, scorer of Dynamo’s second goal in the UEFA Youth League return leg against Brommapojkarna, shared his thoughts after the match.
– It was a very tough game but we expected that. When we stepped onto the pitch, we knew it wouldn’t be easy. In any case we had to win - and we did, moving on to the next round.
– After the first match the Swedes said that on artificial turf they would have the advantage. Did that motivate the team?
– They’ve been training on artificial fields all their lives while we’re used to natural grass so they thought it would be hard for us. But it didn’t turn out that way. They even watered the pitch, hoping it would help them “run over” us. But it didn’t work - we showed character, stayed focused and won.
– Was your goal a practiced move or was it a cross that went in?
– Actually we practiced that exact combination during training the day before and I scored two similar goals then. So it wasn’t something new. Vanya (Andreiko) rolled the ball back to me and I struck it - it wasn’t a cross. I hit it the same way I did in training, already knowing the goalkeeper’s tendencies.
– When the opponents scored late was there any nervousness or did you still feel in control?
– Of course, there was a bit of tension because, if they scored another, it would’ve been 2:2 and anything could happen. But we didn’t let them - we defended very well until the end.
– The UEFA Youth League is a new tournament for you. Do you feel extra motivation?
– You can really feel the difference when you move from U17 to U19. It’s a new level with higher demands. Everything is faster and more intense. But the team supports me, helps and encourages - that really matters.
