Blokhin: Shevchenko didn't believe that I had a dream he would score twice against Sweden

Posted Tuesday, June 12, 2012 by Goal.com

The Ukraine boss dismissed the Scandinavians for their defensive approach and was thrilled that his pre-match premonition came true

Ukraine boss Oleg Blokhin has claimed he dreamt that Andriy Shevchenko would score twice, following the legendary striker's double in the 2-1 win over Sweden in Euro 2012.

Shevchenko netted two fairytale headers as the co-hosts came from behind to clinch victory in their opening match, and the coach said he foresaw the achievement of the veteran forward.

He stated: “He didn’t believe that I had a dream that he would score twice.

“I think that we had an advantage in the first half, maybe not considering Ibrahimovic's chance, but we had a really great advantage. We conceded a goal, but I must say thank you to the team that we were able to score two goals, but I think that we didn’t play good in the dying minutes, because there was a lot of pressure to hold this result.

“I think it’s really hard to play with such nerves, I must say that the Swedish team is a really good and it is very hard to play against them, we knew everything about them, but I really think that they will be a tough opponent for the next opponents in our group.”

Blokhin, however, was unimpressed with how the Scandinavians lined up and accused them of playing for a draw, continuing: “I think that the Swedish team played to achieve a draw and they only tried to organise counterattacks through Zlatan Ibrahimovic."

The 59-year-old coach showed his anger with Sweden’s goal, which came while Ukraine had a man down injured.

“In the second half I think that the Swedish team wasn’t very fair, because our player was lying on the pitch and the referee should have stopped the game.

“But they just had a chance and they scored, then there was also a second moment and I think that it’s not fair.”