Oleksandr Kamenskyi: I dedicate my debut goal for the Ukrainian national team to everyone who believed in me and supported me

Kryvyi Rih Kryvbas midfielder Oleksandr Kamenskyi - about his debut goal for the U-19 Ukrainian national team against Albania U-19 - 3:0 in the 1st round of Euro 2026 qualifying.

- Oleksandr, congratulations on your excellent performance for the Ukrainian youth national team. Your goal was the last goal of the match. What did you feel at that moment?

- It was an incredible emotion. I am very happy that I was able to stand out in such an important match and help the team win. I was waiting for this moment, believed in my strength and knew that it would definitely come.

- You started in the blue-and-yellow team. How important was this decision of the coach for you?

- It is always nice to feel the coach's trust and understand that he believes in you. When I heard my name in the starting lineup, I felt real pride - it was my debut in an official match for the U-19 team. I am happy that I justified the trust and helped the team win.

- Who was the first to congratulate you after the final whistle?

- The first, of course, was my family. They always follow every match and support me in everything. I also received many warm words from my Kryvbas teammates. It was very nice that they followed the game.

- Did you have a feeling that this particular match could become special, both for the national team and for you personally?

- Yes, there was a certain feeling. When I go out on the field, I always believe that every match can become special and remain in my memory for a long time.

- Before leaving for the national team, you probably had a conversation with Patrick van Leeuwen. What instructions did the coach give you?

- The coach set me up psychologically, wished me good luck and a good performance.

- How do you prepare yourself before important matches: do you have any personal rituals, music or habits that help you concentrate?

- Before each match, I always call my mother. She supports me, inspires me, and after our conversation I feel calm and confident. Her words charge me up for the game.

- What is the atmosphere in the U-19 team after this victory?

- All the guys are very happy, the mood is great. But we are not relaxing, there are two more matches ahead, and we are determined to continue winning.

- Do you feel that playing for the youth team gives you confidence and helps you grow as a player in the Club?

- Yes, definitely. Every game for the national team gives me confidence and experience. I transfer this experience to my performances for Kryvbas, and it helps me become a better player.

- Who do you dedicate your debut goal for the national team to?

- I dedicate this goal to everyone who believed in me, supported me, and was there for me on this journey.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih