Upbeat Filipenko looking foward with Belarus

Saturday's 2-0 victory against Iceland has scattered the clouds that seemed to be gathering over Belarus at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship. If there were worries about the absence of key players in the build-up, it did not prevent Georgi Kondratyev's team gaining the perfect start to their Group A bid.

The new sunny outlook and growing optimism in the Belarus camp were summed up by Yegor Filipenko. "We arrived three days before the first game, so we had already settled into our new surroundings," the centre-back told UEFA.com. "The hotel is great and the surface [at the Aarhus Stadion] was simply marvellous. We have no such pitches in Belarus. It was really good to play there."

The 23-year-old has not missed a minute of Belarus's U21 campaign – including the ten qualifiers – and was a sturdy presence at the back once again in Aarhus. "I don't want to place extra emphasis on me or any other player," Filipenko added. "Everybody in the team is a leader and Saturday's match confirmed it. Everyone offers great value and everyone can take credit for the result, not just one player."

As well as winning, Belarus are one of only two sides yet to concede after the first round of games in Denmark. With the likes of Pavel Nekhaychik and Mikhail Gordeychuk struggling for fitness – and leading striker Vladimir Yurchenko ruled out of the finals completely – the Iceland result was all the better for Filipenko. The bleak pre-match outlook is now long forgotten.

"It just happened that our wingers were injured, so Sanya [Aleksandr Perepechko] was called up," he said, when asked about the inexperienced Belarusian left flank on Saturday, which also featured full-back Denis Polyakov, making his first competitive U21 appearance. "I think Perepechko played quite well, helping to create a goal and providing a substantial overall contribution to our victory."

Filipenko, who is on loan at FC BATE Borisov for 2011, said his team had found their feet as their weekend match progressed. "Our coach said we played a good first half defensively but were poor in attack. It was an even contest after the break. We had plenty of opportunities. I disagree with the Iceland coach [Eyjólfur Sverrisson] who said his side had more chances. We had at least the same number as them."

While the tall stopper promises "we'll improve with every game", on Tuesday Belarus face hosts Denmark who will be looking to respond after losing their opening fixture to Switzerland. "First, the stadium will be packed with Denmark fans; second, they're in a pretty difficult situation. If they lose, they are out of the tournament, so Denmark will be doubly motivated and it'll be tough for us.

"At the same time, a win against Denmark will send us through, so this game is very important not only for them but for us," he concluded. "After the Iceland match we had an opportunity to watch their game against the Swiss. I know they have all their leading players available at the tournament, but I'm sure we're good enough to beat them."