UEFA EURO reporter's view: Ukraine

Squad analysis
Coach Mykhailo Fomenko's decision to omit experienced Oleh Gusev was the biggest talking point among Ukrainian fans and media. Many, including myself, saw the Dynamo Kyiv winger as first reserve for starters Andriy Yarmolenko and Yevhen Konoplyanka but the coach preferred two young Olexandrs – Karavaev and Zinchenko.

• Fomenko names his squad

Zinchenko can also play in central midfield where he has tough competition from Denys Garmash, Viktor Kovalenko, Serhiy Sydorchuk and Ruslan Rotan. The holding role is filled by Taras Stepanenko, with the other positions more or less clear, albeit with the slight possibility Yevhen Seleznyov will take over from Roman Zozulya up front.

One to watch
You might think I would choose one of Ukraine's wing aces Yarmolenko and Konoplyanka. However, in my opinion, the side's success in France will depend primarily on their defensive performance, and there is no more important figure than Yevhen Khacheridi in this respect. The centre-back is capable not only of closing down the likes of Mario Gomez, Kyle Lafferty or Robert Lewandowski, but of lending the team overall solidity at the back.

How they'll play
Coach Fomenko told UEFA.com: "Our key to success should be sticking to our principles: discipline, commitment, covering each other, tactical intelligence. We have to be a real team on the pitch. When we don't have the ball, we don't have forwards, everyone must defend. When we win the ball, we all become forwards, even the defenders must do their share of attacking work."

I have almost nothing to add but the fact Ukraine are very well drilled defensively and look good on the break where Yarmolenko and Konoplyanka can deploy their pace and technical ability.

What you won't know
Only three players from this squad participated in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and UEFA EURO 2012, Ukraine's last two final tournaments: Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, Ruslan Rotan and Andriy Pyatov.

How they'll do
Whatever happens in the first game against Germany, the second match will be decisive for Ukraine's prospects. Three points against Northern Ireland would take off a lot of pressure, and should Ukraine have already avoided defeat against the world champions, Fomenko's men could even be through before playing Poland. I hate predictions because there are too many imponderables, but I don't think this possibility is entirely unrealistic.

Most memorable EURO moment
I covered Ukraine's debut at a EURO finals – against Sweden in 2012 – as one of the UEFA.com reporters expected to keep their emotions in check on site. But who can contain themselves if their childhood hero scores two goals in a 2-1 comeback win for the only team they have ever really supported?

The extent of my enthusiasm and admiration for Andriy Shevchenko after that game was the polar opposite of the disappointment I felt when Ukraine lost to England in Donetsk and failed to make the quarter-finals. During the ensuing live flash interview I asked 'Sheva' if he could postpone his announced retirement as his efforts showed he could still be useful for Ukraine.

Unfortunately, he did not but now Shevchenko has returned to the national team as assistant coach. If the last EURO saw the swansong of a great player, hopefully this EURO will prove the start of a great coaching career.

What you're most looking forward to this summer
I've always distanced myself from the players and coaches, avoiding informal contact with people whose play and work I must analyse for a living. However, this time I'll be close to one team like never before, and this is a side I can't help wishing luck. So it'll be a good test of my objectivity and a new and hopefully positive professional experience.

Follow Bogdan throughout the finals on @UEFAcomBogdanB