Oleksandr Kamenskyi: The experience of playing for Kryvbas gives me additional confidence at the Euro

The Ukrainian U-19 national team started the European Championship with a victory, defeating their peers from Croatia - 3:1. A significant contribution to this success was made by Kryvbas midfielder Oleksandr Kamenskyi, who played 79 minutes in the match and helped the team construct the game in the middle of the field.

In an exclusive interview, our coach shared his emotions from the bright comeback, talked about the preparation for the next match against Serbia and explained how the experience of performing in the UPL helps him feel more confident in the European arena.

- Ukraine U-19 won an important victory over Croatia U-19. What are the emotions after such a start at the Euro?

- Very good emotions. It is always nice to start the tournament with a victory and move on with such a positive attitude.

- The team conceded first, but was able to turn the tide of the match. What was the key moment?

- I think that after the conceded goal we got more angry with ourselves and realized that we can and should play with this opponent. We started to act more aggressively and put more pressure on their goal. This helped to turn the game around.

- You spent 79 minutes on the field. How would you rate your own game and interaction with your partners?

- I would rate my game quite well, although, of course, not everything worked out - there were moments when I made mistakes. The first 15 minutes of the match were generally difficult. But then, when I got into a better rhythm, it became much easier. I rate the interaction with my partners positively, we understood each other well.

- We have a match with Serbia ahead. What do you expect from the next opponent?

- Serbia is a very aggressive team. We expect a lot of tough fighting on the field from them, vertical football and constant forward passes. We are preparing for this.

- After the victory over Croatia, does the team feel more confident before the game against Serbia?

- Yes, we do. A successful start always adds confidence and faith in our own strength. We clearly understood that we can do anything, so we strive to continue to attack and go only forward.

- What would you like to say to the fans of Kryvbas who follow your performances in the Ukrainian U-19 national team?

- I want to sincerely thank them for following and supporting you. Let them continue to cheer for us, it is very important to me.

- Do you feel that with each match you gain more confidence in the Ukrainian national team jersey?

- Definitely. For me, it is a huge honor - to put on the national team jersey and help the team on the field. This experience inspires.

- How much does the experience of playing for Kryvbas in matches of this level help?

- It helps a lot. The level of football in the U-19 team is not yet fully mature, as many of the boys play exclusively for the youth teams of their clubs. And since I already have experience playing for the first team of Kryvbas, it gives me additional confidence and more freedom of action on the field.

Media of FC "Kryvbas" Kryvyi Rih