Leading up to tomorrow's playoff semi-final match against Sweden for the 2026 World Cup (Valencia, Estadi Nou de València, 9:45 PM Kyiv time) Ukraine defender Illia Zabarynyi spoke with head coach Sergei Rebrov from the «Blue and Yellow» team at a press conference.

— Do you and other players have a desire to «avenge» the defeat against Wales in 2022 and still make it to this World Cup?

— Everyone remembers that moment, that tough game, and the feeling after it. We gained a great experience. Now those who were part of the team understand everything. We are preparing ourselves because this is a big chance to remind the world about war — this is an important issue for our entire nation. It's necessary to show character, but we need to approach the game with a «cold» head. The responsibility is enormous.

— You haven't faced Viktor Djokreshe on the field yet. Who do you find easier to play against «ramming» types of strikers or more technical and mobile players?

— I haven't played against him, but we understand that he is a top footballer. It doesn't matter to me who I'm playing against — fast, technical, or «ramming». Different preparations are needed for each match, but overall it makes no difference. Everything depends on our preparation.

— You play «home» matches in different countries since you can't play in Kyiv. How do you feel about this path, and how pleasant would it be to finish it here in Valencia?

— Of course, it's hard — playing home games in different countries. We are very grateful to Poland, Spain, Germany, which provided us with stadiums and fields where our people could enjoy the game and support the team. It would have been much better in Kyiv, of course, but we all sum up for that. But we want to play for our fans and are thankful for the support even here in Spain. Come to the stadium.

— The fact that Ukraine has usually played successfully against Sweden in official matches helps in setting a «winning instinct»?

— Perhaps it does help, but everyone understands that anything can happen in football. It just shows that we have nothing to fear — we need to come out and get the result.