No place for pity in the showdown for Qatar says Karavaev
MIDFIELDER Oleksandr Karavaev insists he and his Ukraine pals wouldn’t want a ‘gimme’ against Wales today even if Gareth Bale and Co had been willing to give them one.
In the wake of Russia’s invasion, many people called for Ukraine to be awarded the 32nd and final place that was up for grabs in Qatar without the need for a play-off.
Former Scotland midfielder Graeme Souness even said in midweek that he wanted them to beat his own nation to reach the finals.
But Karavaev (below) wants to get there on merit, not pity.
And along with England-based players Oleksandr Zinchenko, Andriy Yarmolenko and Vitaliy Mykolenko, he will be going all out to achieve his dream against the Dragons and spark a major celebration back home.
The midfielder said: “Sport is sport and we don’t expect presents or an unfair win.
“We know how hard it is and this is the most important game in our lives.
“But we wish to win and we will do everything possible to do that.”
Ukraine had huge support at Hampden Park for their 3-1 victory – but they will be faced with a sea of red at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Karavaev – who spoke of his understanding with former West Ham star Yarmolenko in particular – said: “We are very comfortable together on the field.
By TOM HOPKINSON
The game against Scotland was very emotional for us and we had very strong support even from Scottish fans.
“We felt that and it helped us. In the last two or three years we had no full stadiums and it’s really good to have that again and such support.
“We also understand today the support will be less than the previous ones. We are prepared for the game.”
Karavaev’s family in occupied Kherson will not be able to watch today’s game.
He said: “They cannot watch the match because there is no connection and internet.
“But they communicate by messages and they read the news.
“I had my 29th birthday on Thursday and my mum’s was on Friday, and it was a nice present for everyone at home.
“My friends follow the news and it was also a nice present for them.”
Ukraine manager Oleksandr Petrakov namechecked Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Dan James as players to watch out for in the Welsh team.
And he then revealed a flag from the battleground will hang in their dressing room in Cardiff, a gift from home that his players hope will add to their motivation.
He said: “Personally, I do not communicate with any soldiers.
“But my team write to soldiers and we have received a flag from the war which they have promised to hang in the dressing room.”