We had a lot of chances
Monday, April 27, 2026
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Shakhtar U19 midfielder Oleksandr Balakai shared his impressions of the victory over Kudrivka U19
– How did you prepare for the match and how did it feel personally for you and the team?
– We prepared in a standard cycle, as for all opponents. The opening minutes were a bit difficult, but then we managed to score the first goal. At half-time we received instructions, and then scored the second and third. We had a lot of chances which, unfortunately, we were unable to convert.
– You started the game on the flank, and after the reshuffle, you began to operate up front and scored a goal. Was it easy to adapt to the new position? And can you recall the moment with the goal?
– I want to help the team in any position where the coach sees me. There was a clearance, I tried to press the defenders and waited for their mistake. I like playing up front, as there is an opportunity to score more there. It is a completely different position compared to midfield. In attack, you have to work less with the ball, but at the same time you constantly have to impose a fight.
– You will face Dynamo in the next round. What can you say about the opponents and what kind of game do you expect?
– Without doubt, they are our biggest rivals. I expect only victories. I know that Dynamo U19 play aggressively and simply, and we will analyse them in more detail during the preparation for the match.
– We prepared in a standard cycle, as for all opponents. The opening minutes were a bit difficult, but then we managed to score the first goal. At half-time we received instructions, and then scored the second and third. We had a lot of chances which, unfortunately, we were unable to convert.
– You started the game on the flank, and after the reshuffle, you began to operate up front and scored a goal. Was it easy to adapt to the new position? And can you recall the moment with the goal?
– I want to help the team in any position where the coach sees me. There was a clearance, I tried to press the defenders and waited for their mistake. I like playing up front, as there is an opportunity to score more there. It is a completely different position compared to midfield. In attack, you have to work less with the ball, but at the same time you constantly have to impose a fight.
– You will face Dynamo in the next round. What can you say about the opponents and what kind of game do you expect?
– Without doubt, they are our biggest rivals. I expect only victories. I know that Dynamo U19 play aggressively and simply, and we will analyse them in more detail during the preparation for the match.