Ukraine's Garmash going for glory

Although a little fatigued by his exertions in propelling Ukraine into the UEFA European Under-19 Championship final, Denys Garmash is confident he and his team will be at the top of their game as they seek to become the first host nation to lift the trophy.

'Strength and aggression'
The FC Dynamo Kyiv midfielder scored at the end of each half as Ukraine overcame Serbia 3-1 in Mariupol to become the first hosts to reach the U19 final, although he acknowledged the win owed something to fortune. "It's great to win 3-1, obviously," he told uefa.com. "We deserved it because we were more aggressive and stronger than Serbia, although we also had a little bit of luck. Psychologically we were in a good mood and that was fortunate. I'm a little tired today after all the excitement, but we'll be ready for the final and in good physical condition."

'Great pleasure'
Garmash's goals were his first of the tournament, and although he acknowledged the third goal four minutes from time had been a particularly special moment, he was keen to share the credit as Ukraine reached a first final since their defeat by France in the U18 showpiece nine years ago. "To score two goals in a semi-final is fantastic, but the most important thing is that the team is in the final," he said. "The third goal gave me great pleasure because it meant that Serbia could not come back and it put us into the final. We just relaxed afterwards, there were no wild celebrations – after the final maybe."

First goal vital
Ukraine will meet England in Donetsk on Sunday and, with the teams having drawn 2-2 in the second round of matches in Group A, there will be few surprises for either, although Garmash is hoping coach Yuriy Kalitvintsev can prove the hosts' secret weapon. "England will be strong opponents but I'm sure our coach will find the words to inspire us and help us give our best," he said. "In the group match, we played quite attacking football and perhaps we will need to be more cautious in the final. The first goal will be very important and we need to make sure we stay together as a team whatever happens, and hopefully we'll get a bit of luck. We've improved from the first game; we've been working towards this tournament for a very long time. We've prepared for this very seriously and that's helped us."

Home help
Something else that has aided the hosts' cause has been the backing of substantial home crowds, with a capacity 12,600 at the Illychivets Stadium for the defeat of Serbia and more expected at the RSC Olympiyskiy Stadium for the final. "The fans played a huge role for us against Serbia; the stadium was full of people and that really helped us, particularly once we got in front," Garmash explained. "They've helped us a lot. We were a little nervous in front of the crowd in the first game, mainly because it was the first game, but we're over that now. It feels like the whole country is behind us and winning would mean so much to us. To be champions of Europe for the first time would be incredible. We've thought about it of course, and we know if we win it will be fantastic for us."