Åge Hareide also answered a question about the war in Ukraine .
The head coach of the Iceland national team Åge Hareide gave a press conference on the eve of the final match of the play-off qualifying for Euro 2024 against Ukraine.
According to the 70-year-old Norwegian specialist, both teams have an equal chance of winning the upcoming match, although Sergei Rebrov’s team is considered the favorite.
In addition, he stated that he sympathizes with Ukraine from -for the war of aggression unleashed by Russia.
“All the players on my team are ready for tomorrow's match. We, as a democratic country, sympathize with Ukraine. Iceland, like many countries around the world, accepts refugees from Ukraine. But we are athletes, football players, and we have to concentrate solely on football.
Sometimes we have to use a more defensive formation, but we are an attacking team. Ukraine is very strong and has great performers. But tomorrow the final awaits everyone, and in such fights there are no favorites. I think the chances are 50 to 50. But if everyone considers Ukraine the favorite, this can put pressure on our opponent. Perhaps this will play into Iceland’s hands,” the UAF official website quotes Hareide.
The match between Ukraine and Iceland will take place on Tuesday, March 26, at the Tarczynski Arena Wroclaw stadium in Wroclaw, Poland. The starting whistle will sound at 21 :45 Kiev time.
Textonline broadcast of the match Ukraine – Icelandis available on our website.