Final appearance is deserved, says Ivanov
Friday 12 December 2008
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Russia's Aleksei Petrov punches the air at the final whistle (©sportsfile)
Victorious Russia coach Oleg Ivanov said that the hosts fully deserved their slender victory against Ukraine and a place in the final of the UEFA European Under-21 Futsal Tournament on Sunday against an Italy team they have already drawn with 2-2 during the group stage. Ukraine coach Gennadiy Lysenchuk thought his team warranted something from the match and, due to the raucous support they receive, is fully expecting Russia to triumph in the final.
Oleg Ivanov, Russia coach
There are no weak opponents in the semi-finals. Ukraine are a very good team, their movement is always great and so it's hard to play against them. We had lots of shots on goal, but scored only once – that's our weak point, as always. I think the scoreline was fair. I'd highlight the goalkeeper [Dmytro Lytvynenko] from our opponents' squad. He performed miracles as we were in total control and had around 30 shots on goal. Spain lost and that's a surprise. Probably the determination of Italy helped them to victory. I think it will be easier for us to play against them as we have already played them during the group stage. We know their weaknesses and strong players.
Gennadiy Lysenchuk, Ukraine coach
I have to congratulate Russia on their win. We gave the initiative away on purpose, we tried to counterattack but we didn't score. We fulfilled our tactical plan. We closed down the space and didn't give space to Russia. I think that we were close to victory even though we played on the counterattack. For me, the best player in the Russian squad is Dmitri Prudnikov. He has experience of playing for the senior national team. Today he received a one-on-one chance and he took it brilliantly. I think that Russia have a greater chance of winning the final. They play at home and they always do well against Italy. From our Under-21 side, Lytvynenko and [Sergiy] Zhurba have been called up to the senior national team already and, I am quite sure, that Dmytro Sorokin will follow in their footsteps. He was really good on the flanks today.
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