Oleksandr Zinchenko has admitted that Ukraine will have to play “the game of their lives” to beat England in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals on Saturday night.
The two sides will lock the horns at the Stadio Olimpico after England impressively beat Germany 2-0, while Ukraine, yes, surprisingly beat Sweden 2-1 in the round of 16.
Sweden were heavy favorites who went into the round of 16 at Hampden Park, but a wonderful performance from Zinchenko and co. led to Ukraine taking a dramatic win with the permission of an Artem Dovbyk extra time winner.
Zinchenko in training / ALBERTO PIZZOLI / Getty Images
Before the England match, Zinchenko has said (via the Daily Mail) that Ukraine will need an even better performance if they are to advance to their first ever semi-final of the tournament:
“It will not be easy. We know it. But at this stage of the tournament anything is possible and I think the coaching staff will explain to us what to do with it and we will do our best.
“We will try to surprise them but of course we realize that in order to get through all the players and the whole team, they probably have to play the best game of their lives.”
The Manchester City defender also took the time to praise the Three Lions’ recent achievements, but also stated that “every team has a weakness” – something with Ukraine will no doubt make sure to take advantage on Saturday night:
5 – Oleksandr Zinchenko is the fifth different @ManCity player to make # EURO2020 (also De Bruyne, Sterling, Laporte, Torres) – only Atalanta (also five) have got as many different players in the tournament. National. # EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/qhLB4O5i26
– OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 29, 2021
“I will say that the numbers speak for themselves. The fact that England have not conceded any goals yet, they play very well in defense.
“But I think there are no perfect teams. Every team has weaknesses.”
