Sergey Rebrov, Getty Images October 14 2025, 07:20

On Monday, October 13, the national team of Ukraine won a difficult victory over Azerbaijan in the match of the 4th round of the 2026 World Cup. The match was held at the ICS Krakow Stadium in Polish Krakow and ended with a score of 2: 1 in favor of “blue and yellow”. The goals were scored by Alexei Gutsulyak and Ruslan Malinovsky, who was also distinguished by the effective transfer and was recognized as the best player of the match according to the fans and the Sofascore platform.

After the game, the head coach of the national team Sergey Rebrov shared his impressions, emphasizing the importance of the three points obtained and the difficulties that his team had to face.

“I think it was an important game. We lost points at the start of the tournament, so today we were as much as possible for victory. Such matches are always difficult – dense defense, minimum space, the need to make a quick decision. But I am satisfied with the result and dedication of the guys,” Rebrov said.

The trainer also drew attention to serious personnel problems in the attack – five players of the main staff were missed by the match due to injuries.

“It was very difficult. We were not enough for five attacking players. Because of this, we had to look for new solutions. But those who went out into the field did everything possible to win,” the team mentor explained.

Rebrov noted the complexity of the game after a short pause between matches:

“The second game is not easy – only two days to recover, plus a flight. It was noticeable that after the goal, the players” released “pressing a little. But it was psychologically – it was important to keep the result,” – said the coach on Megogo.

He also commented on the reasons for replacing several players in the course of the game:

“Konapl was replaced due to injury. Yarmolyuk is also injury. Hutsulak is fatigue and micro -damage. It is very difficult to play two matches with such an intense schedule,” Rebrov summed up.

The team mentor stressed that the team will fight for the maximum result in November, when Ukraine will play key matches against France and Iceland.

“We always play a victory. It is important for the next matches to return the injured. Only in the optimal composition we can fight France on an equal footing. And so – everything is possible,” Rebrov assured.

The next match of the Ukrainian national team will be held in November against the leader of the group – France.