Forward for Dynamo Kyiv U19 Vitalii Lobko, who scored the team’s only goal in the 1:1 away draw against Polissya Zhytomyr U19, shared his impressions after the match.
- First of all how do you feel about the team’s performance?
- I want to thank the team for showing character. Although the game was tough everyone fought until the end. We were a bit unlucky but it’s nothing serious - many matches are still ahead. We prepare for every match as if it’s the last one.
- Tell us about the moment when you scored. How did it happen?
- In that play there was a foul. Liusin reacted quickly and passed to Dykyi who carried the ball forward a little and then played it to me. I took a few touches and shot. I aimed for the far corner and wanted to strike harder but I’m still getting used to the pitch. The shot wasn’t very strong but a goal is a goal - for a forward that’s what matters most.
- Did you expect it to become easier after scoring?
- We knew Polissya could reinforce with players from their first or second team so coaches and more experienced players - like Osypenko, Dykyi, Surkis and I - prepared younger players well. Still the 1:1 score isn’t ideal for us but it’s not a problem. We won’t stop and will keep moving forward. Most of the second half of the season is still ahead so there’s always a chance.
- About the goal you conceded - was it an individual or collective mistake?
- In football one mistake usually leads to another. I think it was a collective error - one or two players didn’t cover properly. We were also a bit unlucky - the shot came from distance and there was a slight obstacle. But after that we tried to lift the team. There were chances - I even hit the crossbar and goalkeeper made good saves.
- Polissya is in the upper half of the table. Considering the first-round 0:0 draw is this team difficult for Dynamo?
- Yes, it’s always tough to play against Polissya. They have very good players, including internationals from different countries. So it really wasn’t easy. But that’s football - the stronger team wins, and today you could say friendship won.
