Nerves no trouble for Ukraine's Petrov

Kyrylo Petrov is confident Ukraine can conquer their nerves as the hosts look to kick-start their challenge at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.

'Too nervous'
Coach Yuriy Kalitvintsev bemoaned the way his side started their opening Group A game, a goalless draw with Slovenia, saying: "From past experience I expected for 15 minutes, a maximum of 20, that the players would be nervous but 35 minutes is too much." Petrov acknowledged his team had been edgy in front of almost 13,000 spectators at the RSC Olympiyskiy Stadium but believes the problem was a one-off, telling uefa.com: "It's true we were too nervous because it was the first game. But we're in a European Championship, the first game is gone now and I don't expect it to be a problem anymore."

'Everything will be great'
The FC Dynamo Kyiv defender was in confident mood as he looked ahead to Friday's meeting with England – "everything's OK with us," he said simply – although he recognises considerable improvement is needed. "We're not satisfied with the first game, obviously, because we didn't win it. We couldn't make the most of the chances that we created, and that's why we weren't able to get the three points. We have to take all our chances against England – then everything will be great."

Invaluable asset
A similar crowd is anticipated for the game in Donetsk, and Petrov described their support as a crucial asset for the home team. "We're used to playing at that ground, we'd trained there before the first game," he explained. "We're very happy that so many fans came out to support us and it's a real pity we couldn't give them the result they wanted. They all wanted our team to win and it's a shame that we couldn't do that for them. We're the home team and in a championship like this, it's usual for the host nation to have to do their best and win in front of their own supporters. That's what we'll try to do."

'Be the best'
With a game against Switzerland still to come after the England match, Petrov has plenty to focus his mind over the next few days, although his view is sufficiently broad to realise the long-term benefits of these finals. "This tournament is very important for every player," he continued. "After these finals you can be not a star exactly but certainly very popular. Many European clubs can notice you and that's very important for every player. After the championship I'll go back to Dynamo and start again there. I want to achieve everything I can – I'm going to work hard and do my best. All I can do is improve; my goal is to be the best I can be."