"So that the guys do not burn out": the former forward of the national team emphasized the most dangerous moments for Ukraine in the match with Bosnia

Ivan Hetsko, the author of the first goal of the Ukrainian national team, and a former striker of "Chornomorets," "Karpaty" and "Maccabi," believes that Serhii Rebrov's team should have no problems in the semifinals of the Euro 2024 qualifying tournament. Potentially, the "blue and yellows" are superior in all respects to the national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which they play today at 21:45 at the arena in Zenica. However, the Bosnians have their joker.

In a commentary to OBOZ.UA, Hetsko told us why their opponent is dangerous for Ukraine, what position on the field he does not worry about at all, and what are the strengths of Rebrov's team.

"I think all the fans will agree with me that only victory is expected from our team. Any other result is out of the question. I believe that today the national team of Ukraine should be superior to Bosnia and Herzegovina in all respects. This means in terms of the level of players, skills, speed, and age. We have advantages everywhere," says Hetsko.

"But again, this is football, where a lot of surprises happen. Much will depend on how the team assesses the situation, how they take this game, although there is no question of a problem with the mood – everyone understands the importance of this game, understands what it means to reach the European Championship," said the former forward.

According to Hetsko, each of the Ukrainians raises the bar in such matches: "After all, a player who is now part of the national team understands that the better he plays, the more he will increase his rating. Both his own and the national team's as a whole. This is important. Therefore, it is not even worth talking about moods and dedication. Everyone understands the importance of this game."

But with such a potential advantage for Ukrainian footballers, there is, in the goalie's opinion, one dangerous point.

"The main thing is that the guys don't burn out. They are young. And it may be that everything will be spontaneous. Everything will happen very quickly. And there must be no bitterness from the experience and everything else. You need a cool head so that the players understand how to do everything right so that the team gets the necessary victory, which is very important for everyone," Hetsko emphasized.

The former Ukraine striker told us why the Bosnians are dangerous: "They have some players who play in European competitions. There is a good striker who scores a lot of goals. Even though he plays in the championship in Turkey, he has always been appreciated as a high-class player who can play well with his head on the second floor, plays well with both feet."

"Jacko has speed. And most importantly, he has experience. Give such a person a half-moment, and he will realize it. You will need to pay special attention to this, not to let him turn around, not to give him space. Play closer to him, tougher. In general, not to let Edin realize his potential on the football field," Hetsko emphasized.

Of course, besides Džeko, the Bosnians have several other players who play in European competitions and who will influence the team's level of readiness.

"But at the same time, we have advantages. Ukraine has six or seven players who are currently playing in the leading European championships, in top clubs, including Dovbyk, Tsyhankov, Mykolenko, Zinchenko, and Mudryk. This is the top level. And we have an advantage in this," says Hetsko.

"Yes, we may be missing a full-back somewhere, maybe Yarmolenko will be missing somewhere. But, again, there are people to take their places today. The same Tsyhankov should play no worse. I believe that we shouldn't have any problems at all. But this is football and you have to be ready for anything," the former forward said.

But Hetsko is not worried about the goalkeeper's position at all: "Here, the selection of players is better than the other. "Real Madrid. Although I believe that Bushchan is no worse than either Trubin or Lunin. And the coaching staff still needs to think about who will be in the lineup."

We couldn't help but touch on the rather painful topic for Ukraine, that everyone wants to see the national team of a country in which the war is going on at the Euros. Even UEFA President Alexander Čeferin allowed himself to make statements in this spirit.

"Many people may wonder whether a team from such a country is needed in Europe. But I think that sport should be of key importance, the strongest should win," Hetsko said.

"Yes, perhaps there are some undercurrents, and someone says why would you want to sign such a participant if everything is not good there. But I would like this to in no way affect the preparation of our national team and the preparation of our guys, who fully deserve to play at the Euro. And not just deserved, they will prove themselves at the European Championship. That's what's important!" the veteran summarized.

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