Part 26 of 32: The Ukrainian Interview
Vladyslav Fedotov from Ukraine joins us for part 26 of the series. Vladyslav was born in USSR - Ukrainian Republic - now Ukraine in 1979. He has an MA in Engerering from Ukraine university and a Diploma in Hospitality Management from Swiss University. At the moment, he is doing his internship in Hilton , Hilton Head Island , SC. He never really played football, but became a big fan after Euro Cup in 1992, Vladyslav says.
I thank Vladyslav for agreeing to the interview.
Tell us a bit about the Ukranian football history and the football culture which exists.
If Ukraine has something to be proud of , it would be football!!! Not the national team - it’s a first time we qualified to the World Cup, its more clubs and great players. Since the Soviet time Ukrainian players Individually were the best in USSR team - the best is Oleg Blohin (now head coach ) became the best player in Europe in 75 and 85 - years when Dinamo (KIEV) - the best USSR and Ukrainian club ever - won Cup of Cups in 75 and Cup of Cups and European Super Cup in 85.
Ukraine became independent in 1991. Since then there was only one major victory - Dinamo (Kiev ) semi - final of Champions League with Schevchenko and Rebrov . The next season Shevchenko beacame AC Milans player. 2 years ago he became the best Europe player with AC Milan winning Champions League. Ukraine now is rooting for AC Milan , when national teams are not doing well at all in European Cups.
There are only 2 teams that can make a difference in Europe competitions and compete for the first plase in National championship - these teams are : Dinamo (Kiev) and Schahter (Donetsk), owend by 2 Ukrainian billionaires. lack of competiveness in National Championship, should be effecting nathional team performance, but Ukraine made it to the world cup and we we have one of the best player ever to play footbal - Scheva. Schevas first professional coach in Dinamo (Kiev) was Lobanovskiy - he passed away 4 years ago - used to coach USSR team, Ukrainian team and Dimano (kiev) for a number of years. So he is the one to ‘blame’ for the early start of Schevchenkos career.
Tell us a bit about the Road to the World Cup – the qualification, and the emotions the fans went through at the time.
The road to the world Cup wasnt hard - I think the groop that Ukraine had was one of the easiest to qualiy from. Ukraine , If i am not mistaken, was the first team to qualify in Europe.
I was in Kiev when fans selebrated this victory after the game with Turkey - September 7th. I think it was clear from almost very beginning of qulification that Ukraine will qualify, and after beating Greece and Turkey away in the middle of qualification it was clear that Ukraine will make it.
What style of football does the national team play?
Its hard to name the style. Its all about Schevchenko, if he is on he in schape , Ukraine is doing well, if not team looses , most of the time. But there is one more key player in Ukr Team - Voronin - playng for BAYER (Liverkusen).
What do you think your country’s prospects are at the World Cup?
We will definitely go to 1/8 final, because our groop is weak :
Tunisia, Saudia Arabia and Spain.
Spaine is a big name but they have never done well as a National team. So I think our chances are 80%.
Who will be the most important player for your country?
Well its 99% will be Schevchenko - just because he is one of the best in the world and the captain and leader of Nathional Team. 1% its gonna be Voronin - he is the one who stars most of attacks, very quick and clever player.
Which player in your country’s side would you most like to get rid of?
First of all I think they all deserve playing on the WORLD CUP. But if I have to pick one , it would be our golly - Schvkovsky - because somethimes he is making crussial mitakes, but he is still the best golly , and we dont have another one, so let him stay and hope he will do well.
Who are the players to watch from the other countries?
Ronaldinho, Rooney,Thierry Henry.
What will be your excuse in the event of failure?
There is no excuse not to qualify to 1/8 final.
Have you got the right manager?
Yes, our head coach is one of the best players in former USSR and Ukraine, and he happened to be a lucky coach as well. Even if he looses ,as a coach , everybody loves him.
What advice would you give him?
I would advise him not to pin all his hopes on one player - Schevchenko. He should do some thing with the team , so that we win even without AC Milan’s striker.
Which team do you most want to beat?
Spain ! If we beat Spain in our first game June 14 we will 100% qualify to 1/8.
Where will you watch the matches?
Will try to watch games in the pub, and for the final will make it to NY to watch it with friend Amitava.
How keenly will the World Cup be followed in your country?
Very keenly - big time - Ukraine has nothing to be proud of this days, so football is the last hope.
Who will be the player of the tournament?
Schevchenko !!! many people would say Ronaldinio , but he sucks in major games, like in the final of Champions League. It also might be Rooney or some African players
Who will win the Golden Boot?
I hope it will be Schevchenko, but I think it will be Ronaldinho, simply because his team will make it to the final and he will play the most games.
Which team will disappoint the most?
Germany ! Everybody expect them to do well, but they wont.
Who will be the surprise team of the tournament?
One of the African teams, its a time for all black teams to kick some asses.
Finally, who will win the World Cup?
England - 60 % ,Brasil - 40%.
England bcause its team is so good , all players are ment to be in the English team, and its time they do it , last time they won World Cup is 1966. And Brasil is always expected to do well. Second plase will be a disaster for them.
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I hope you enjoyed part 26. Follow up questions for Vladyslav can be e-mailed to me. Also, feel free to contact me if you would like to be interviewed or know a friend who would like/could be interviewed. Specific questions for specific countries which might pop in your mind in due course may also be sent. For the rest of the interviews, check out the World Cup interview series page.
Tags: Andriy Shevchenko, FIFA World Cup 2006, Football Interview Series.
