– The draw presented us with a logistical conflict: if we reach the final, we have a potential match against Poland. Actually, you are also currently working in Poland. What is your opinion on this matter? And what do the Poles around you say about this? Should I play in Poland or somewhere else?
– They are also all waiting, they want us to pass. Everyone hopes that Poland will pass Albania, we will pass Sweden, we will meet together – and we will already decide who will be stronger. There are such expectations, there is support and cheering for our national team. Maybe they do it because they think the Swedes are a stronger team.
– Should these matches be played in Poland, where we played qualifying matches? Because Rebrov, for example, has already said that this is not normal. And the Poles, in turn, hope that they will be able to come to an agreement with us.
– Well, yes, because in fact you will play the most important match of the national team on the road, especially with an advantage. Although we understand that Ukraine now has a conditional advantage, because all matches are played away from home.
Although, it seems to me that even if we do that match in Slovakia, or in the Czech Republic, or in Germany, there will be no less Poles at this match, because these countries are next to each other, it is still not a problem for them to get to this match now.
It is clear that it will be completely different in Poland. Therefore, if, God forbid, we pass the Swedes, it is better to play somewhere in a more neutral country for the opponent. After all, we are rivals on the field.
We understand how Poles treat Ukrainians with their help, indeed they always come to meet us – both in European Cups and at national team matches. And we are grateful to them for that. But this is a sports fight, – said Benyo.
In case of victory, Ukraine will play for a ticket to the World Cup with the winner of the Poland-Albania match. Ukraine will hold the final match on March 31, also at a conventional home stadium.
The 12 teams that finished second in the groups, as well as the 4 winners of their Nations League quartets, will take part in the play-offs. All 16 participants are divided into 4 ways. Each path will have one semi-final and one final. The semi-finals are scheduled for March 26, the finals for March 31, 2026.
Source: sport.ua