After the qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup against Azerbaijan in Krakow (2:1) the head coach of the Ukrainian national team, Serhiy Rebrov, answered journalists' questions.

— Mr. Serhiy, sum up the match results.

— It was a very important game, three crucial points. The responsibility showed on the players. After the win in Iceland it was very important to win today as well. So there was some nervousness, especially in the second half when we needed to push forward. Before the match, the media pointed out that we were missing five key attacking players. It wasn't easy. But I'm grateful that those who came on did their utmost and secured this very important result.

— From the first minutes, Yurym Konovaly was very active in attack — was this a coaching instruction or his own initiative?

— We needed to score goals, all players understood that and got involved in attacks. Not only Konovaly but also Vitaliy Mykolenko, Illia Zabarnyi, and Mykhailo Matviienko as well. In the first half we created enough chances, we just needed to score more. Unfortunately, it turned out how it did. After halftime initially it was very hard for us, but we scored a crucial goal. Sadly, Yurym got injured at the end of the first half and couldn't continue playing.

— After the first match in Baku, you drew attention to the quality of the pitch. Today's field was in good condition, but the Ukrainian team still had difficult moments during the game. 

— Because Azerbaijan's national team is, in my opinion, a high-level team. They play very compactly in defense. Iceland gave us plenty of space that we managed to use. Today there was no such space. Any team playing compactly is hard to break down. Also, as we've mentioned before, five key attacking players are injured for us right now. So it was tough.

At this level all opponents are very difficult. Moreover, a club from Azerbaijan is currently competing in the UEFA Champions League.

— What did you talk about with players during halftime? What's the mood in the team after two wins?

— This game was tough because we unfortunately lost points in the first two matches. The players felt responsible, it was hard. During halftime, everyone understood that mistakes were made in the first half. We had moments, needed to push harder, work more, be more patient. Azerbaijan's team was very well-organized defensively. I'm really glad our boys managed to win this game.

— Considering the draw between Iceland and France, if Ukraine wins the last two matches, they could finish first in the group. Do you consider such an option?

— I believe that for us now the most important thing is to have our injured key players back. These are attacking players who are very crucial. Yes, everyone did their utmost today, but we need to be in optimal shape to compete with any team, including teams of France's level.

I believe that Ukraine's national team always plays for victory. But we play against an opponent who also tries to do something. In such matches, at this high level, everything is possible. I'm sure we will fight in the match against France and in the match against Iceland as well.

— Can you explain the decision to replace a winger with a center-back when Bondar came on? What was the idea?

— Bondar can play right back, but at that moment we needed a strong defender. So Bondar came out as right back and we didn't play in three central defenders.

— Although there are two wins, they were very hard-fought. How do you feel after them as a coach, as a person?

— I'm grateful to you that there weren't such questions that would have drained me. So I feel okay. I know that there could be harder questions. But I'm thankful to you for giving me some rest.

Recall, the next qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup will be played by blue-and-yellow on November 13 against the leader — France's national team (match start time: 9:45 PM Kyiv time).