Anatoliy Trubin, Ukraine’s starting goalkeeper, didn’t hold back after his team’s recent 1-1 draw against Azerbaijan. The match, played last Tuesday, left a bitter taste. Trubin called the result “a shame,” expressing deep frustration. He believes the team absolutely needed a win, no matter how they got it.
“It’s very, very bad,” Trubin told the Ukrainian portal ‘Sport’. He emphasized that if the squad truly wants to reach the World Cup, everyone must reflect on their own performance. The next series of games will be crucial. Trubin urged his teammates to figure out how to meet the challenge ahead. He stressed the importance of understanding their mission if they aim for a spot in the big tournament.
Despite the setback, the Benfica keeper took a moment to thank the fans. He praised their unwavering support. “They are always the best,” he stated, adding there’s never a reason to complain about them. “No matter where we play, they will always support us.” This connection with the supporters offers a small positive note amidst the disappointment.
Ukraine’s path to the World Cup looks tough after two games. They currently sit with just one point in their group. Their first match ended in a 2-0 loss to France. The French squad now leads the group with six points. Iceland holds second place with three points. Only the top team in the group automatically qualifies for the World Cup. The second-place finisher faces a challenging playoff round to earn their spot.