Goalkeeper of the Ukrainian national team Dmitry Riznyk expressed his opinion on the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying match against the French team.

The goalkeeper emphasized the importance of respecting the opponent, but also noted the need to stick to his plan despite the strength of the opponent.

“The coach will tell us about the style of play and how to change it. You need to approach this match more emotionally, because, one might say, this is already the end of the selection stage, so now, more than ever, you need to tune in. I believe that everything comes from the head, because how you set yourself up before the match is how it will go further.

The French national team is a global football grandee, one might say, that’s why there are a lot of top players playing in top clubs, no one needs to be introduced there. There's no need to be afraid of anyone there. Yes, there must be respect, but we also have our own plans, our own goal to which we need to go.

How to stop Mbappe? Stop by protection. I don't know how to stop. Team actions - that's the only way. This is a very strong individual football player who can decide the whole game himself. We need to carefully understand and prepare.

If everything goes well with the French, then psychologically it will be a little calmer with the Icelanders. And if, God forbid... It all depends on psychology,” Riznyk noted in a comment to VZBIRNA.

Let us remind you that the 2026 World Cup qualifying match between France and Ukraine will take place on Thursday, November 13, in Paris at the Parc des Princes stadium and will begin at 21:45 Kyiv time.

Also earlier, the head coach of the Ukrainian national team Sergei Rebrov spoke about the team’s prospects in the upcoming match with the French national team.

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