The Honoured Coach of Belarus, Ivan Savostikov, shared in the general optimism for the match at Borisov-Arena. A great many fans gathered that chilly evening, for the Europa League match against Guingamp. Sadly, the Belarusian team failed to win, as the match ended on a no-score draw, but it was wonderful to see supporters stay to the end of the game, wrapped in blankets and clearly involved in every moment: jumping up, clutching their heads and exclaiming throughout.
Sergey Kontsevoy during the game
Victory was much desired but fans are unlikely to be as disappointed as the players, who hung their heads while sitting on the benches. Dinamo failed to celebrate a win but it achieved something more important: it played to the best of its ability. Before the match, many felt that this had not been the case in previous matches: against Fiorentina and, especially, PAOK. The home match gave the team a chance to pull out a win, since their rival was far from formidable. However, progress was evident. Dinamo’s goalkeeper, Sergey Ignatovich, appeared relaxed in the first half, having no cause for anxiety in his net, and tackling any shots with ease (unlike in previous European Cup season matches).
Chigozie Udoji, Umaru Bangura and Artem Bykov were absent through injury, while the rival squad brought several key players. Bad weather hindered the footballers from taking too many risks, but Dinamo did well and may yet manage to go through to the next round, alongside Fiorentina. Guingamp and PAOK are in the same ambiguous position.
