The day before tomorrow's playoff semi-final match against Sweden for the 2026 World Cup (Valencia, Stadium «Ciutat de Valencia», 21:45 Kyiv time) Ukraine national team head coach Serhiy Rebrov held a press conference with the media.

— What is the situation with the players' health? There was information that Roman Yaremchuk injured his Achilles. Are all of them ready for the match?

— Yes, there were minor injuries among some players, especially in Roman's case. But today everyone is training together in a group, and they are all ready. I spoke with the doctor — no one else has complained. Unfortunately, two players will miss this game due to disqualification, but they are preparing for the next one. Roman Yaremchuk is preparing specifically for tomorrow's match.

— The situation in Ukraine, which is under attacks from Russia, adds pressure on the players or does it motivate them to win for their people?

— This situation has been ongoing in our country for four years now, it's not a new story. All the players understand for whom we are playing. We represent Ukraine and its soldiers who are fighting for our freedom. The opportunity to support our people is a huge motivation.

— Due to Zinchenko and Malinovskyi's absence, who will take the captain's role and lead on the field tomorrow?

— We have leaders in our team who should lead everyone by example, it doesn't matter who exactly wears the armband. Illia Zabarynyi was already a captain in the match against France. Tomorrow we will decide who will be the captain, but that's not a problem. What matters is showing character. Tactics and strategy are important, but tomorrow it will be all about character.

— Sweden had problems in attack, they have a new coach Grem Potter and an updated squad. How did you prepare for such an opponent?

— We watched many of Sweden's matches. They have a very strong attacking line. The games they lost in their group were not played with their optimal lineup. Now they are calling up the best players. Despite injuries to several players, I believe we will face a strong team.

— You achieved much as a player and coach. How would you rate your exit from the national team for the World Cup in your personal achievements ranking?

— It is very important for our people. As I said before, we have to do this for the people who have been at war for over four years already. They deserve it. I am confident that tomorrow's players will show character and do everything to make Ukraine represented in the World Cup.

— Did Matviy Ponomarenko's performance for «Dynamo» surprise you, and do you plan to give him playing time tomorrow?

— Yes, it surprised me that he was scoring almost in every match. He deserves this call-up to the national team. As for what will happen tomorrow — we'll see.

— Does having already renewed the Ukrainian championship give us an advantage over Sweden, which has not yet?

— If you look at Sweden's squad, there are almost no players from their domestic league, so I don't think it makes a difference. It was important for us to approach these matches with the optimal lineup. We respect Sweden but should focus on what we will do on the field.

— What exactly are you expecting from tomorrow's game?

— I know Sweden — it is a team with a very strong character. I think we will win thanks to our character. There will be a lot of fighting, a lot of duels. We need to focus on every element.

— Twenty years ago you played at the World Cup, and that team was one of the oldest, while today's squad is one of the youngest. Compare these two teams.

— It's hard to compare them — they are absolutely different teams. But in our current national team there is a huge desire. When they step on the field, they fight against any opponent. In 2006, football was slightly different. Now it is faster, more fighting. I see from the players that they really want to make it to this World Cup.