Belarus man Polyakov faces Czech challenge

Denis Polyakov told UEFA.com the Belarus squad have turned the page of their dramatic UEFA European Under-21 Championship semi-final defeat and are in high spirits ahead of Saturday's Olympic play-off with the Czech Republic.

Georgi Kondratyev's Belarus were just over a minute away from creating a major surprise as they held a 1-0 lead in their semi-final with Spain on Wednesday. However, Adrián López's last-minute leveller forced extra time in Viborg, and he struck again as Spain eventually won 3-1 to break Belarusian hearts. Polyakov insisted, though, the team's disappointment was fleeting.

"We're preparing for a decisive match against the Czechs. We have a chance to qualify for the Olympics, so everyone is highly motivated and ready to fight for the victory," said the versatile FC Shakhtyor Soligorsk man. "It was a real shame to concede just a minute from time, but we have already forgotten about that game against Spain and are thinking now only about the meeting with the Czech Republic."

It is little wonder Kondratyev's men remain buoyant ahead of their play-off in Aalborg. Given little chance to emerge from a group that included hosts Denmark and impressive qualifiers Iceland, Belarus surpassed expectations by pipping the pair to a semi-final slot behind group winners Switzerland.

While the team have surprised many, Polyakov's own rise to prominence has also raised eyebrows. He had not yet turned 20 when he made his senior Belarus debut in a friendly last November, and Polyakov has impressed in these finals despite only making his competitive bow at U21 level in the opening win against Iceland.

"I felt a bit nervous against Iceland, since it's the final stage of a European Championship after all and I was playing my first game for the team," said Polyakov, who has not missed a minute of the tournament to date. "So it was a little tricky at the start, but I managed to muddle through with my team-mates in defence and establish a partnership. Things have gone well since."

The team's success has caught the eye not only of the footballing public but also the numerous scouts at the tournament. Though Polyakov admitted his own career ambitions remain intact, his foremost thoughts are focused on collective success as they bid to reach next year's Olympic tournament in the UK by beating the Czech Republic.

"We're playing for our country here, for its honour, for our relatives and those who are close to us," he said. "I'm sure if we get to the Olympic Games there will be plenty of offers to all the players. The main thing is to constantly look to achieve the highest possible goals."