The midfielder of the national team of Ukraine Taras Stepanenko named the reasons for the defeat in the match with the team of Malta (0: 1).

Stepanenko believes that the main reason for the defeat was the lack of mood for the match, while the opponent was charged to the fight. At the same time, the player promised to correct the situation in the match with Finland.

"Let's be frank: our performance is not that which was inexpressive, it was bad. It is clear that the problem is not in the tactics or level of the players, but in the mood for the game. We did not have the proper mood and desire, but for the Maltese it was "off scale". Therefore, they won this match, "- concluded Stepanenko.

"For what reason? Personally for me, the big problem was the end of the competitive struggle in the Ukrainian championship almost in April. After that, we still played the final of the Cup of Ukraine in mid-May, and half a month were practically without playing tone, "- explained the player.

"The criticism of our game is completely justified, we do not dispute it and we ourselves go with a bad attitude, realizing that we made mistakes. But it is good that it was in a friendly match that we were given a kind of backslash. We need to gather our thoughts, analyze everything and hold a proper match in Finland. This is one of the most important games for the national team this year. Coaching staff is already well us "shake". I think the words of the coaches will reach us and we will play right with Finland.

"Malta played as most of our teams: they began from behind, acted on fast counterattacks, betting on standards. We missed an early goal after the corner, which they themselves brought ".

"I am confident in the mood for a match with the Finns. Personally, I understand how important this game is. I think that all the guys too. We must be as concentrated as possible. I want to achieve the result and with a calm heart to go on vacation, "- said the midfielder of the Ukrainian team.

It is worth noting that the match Malta - Ukraine can get an unofficial status.