Antoni Mascaro: The team really fought today - that's probably the most important thing
Comments after the match of the 11th round of the UPL 2025\2026 UCL "Kryvbas" U-19 - "Poltava" U-19 - 4:0.
Antoni Mascaro, head coach of FC "Kryvbas" U-19:
- We knew that the opponent was going through a difficult period, they had a series of defeats. So we understood: if we score quickly and continue to press, actively playing in the attack, it will be difficult for them. That's what we tried to do. We quickly opened the score, in the first half the team acted confidently, attacked well and did not allow the opponent to go on counterattacks. I think that was the key. Two quick goals broke their game and, I think, they simply did not have enough energy to come back.
We have many talented players, but, as I said earlier, at the beginning of the season we had a problem, the team was not ready to compete. Now the situation has changed. Every week we work on different aspects: game control, behavior in different phases of the match. And I think we are moving in the right direction. Today the guys really fought - this is probably the most important thing.
The game turned out a little different than we expected, because the opponent played with five defenders, in five lines. We had little time to prepare, only three days after the match with Dynamo. But this week we were just working on how to act against such a formation. It was a new scheme for us, so I had some doubts. But I am very satisfied with the result: Gubenko coped with his role perfectly, the wingers worked perfectly. So, yes, I am really very satisfied.
I don’t like to talk much after the game. I only said one thing: enjoy the victory. Because even if it seems that you won easily or by a large score, it is never easy. Every victory is difficult. So I told the guys: enjoy it. And we had an agreement that if they won today, there would be a pizza dinner.
Miracle Williams, midfielder of FC Kryvbas U-19:
- It was a difficult period for me, I missed two months due to injury. It was really difficult. But I am glad that I was able to fully recover and get back into the game. The feeling is incredible, I am very happy to be back on the field and help our team. We work hard every day to become stronger and improve every aspect of our game. There is still a long way to the highest level, but we are moving in the right direction, and this is already visible in our results.
Danylo Sychov, goalkeeper of FC Kryvbas U-19:
- It is good that we won. But there is a lot of work ahead. A call-up to the Ukrainian U-16 national team? I am very happy, I am going to the national team with a positive attitude. I am ready for this challenge. The main goal is to prove myself and beat the Italian team. I will strive for that.
Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih