Euro 2012: Blokhin hopes Ukraine cope amid the frenzy of being hosts

Blokhin’s men welcome Erik Hamren’s side to the Olimpiysky Stadium in Kiev today as they kick off their Group D campaign.

Many have already written off Ukraine’s chances of reaching the knockout stage, with France and England yet to come.

But Blokhin hopes his players, especially the younger ones, rise to the occasion. He said: “These guys have to face up to it, whether they like it or not. I said back in 2010 that it was time to revamp the national team. They may not win anything, but they’re going to gain precious experience for the future, although of course I hope we go a long way.

“[Hosting the tournament is] like a tornado that could throw us in an unknown direction.”

Ukraine head into the match on the back of friendly defeats to Austria and Turkey, a far cry from the success they enjoyed six years ago when they reached the World Cup quarter-finals.

There are eight survivors from the team that played at their only previous finals, including Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, Andriy Voronin and 35-year-old Andriy Shevchenko.

The latter is still the star name but Blokhin said: “Expectations here are the same for everybody. It doesn’t matter if you are Shevchenko, [Oleh] Gusev, as long as you are part of the team. We expect everyone to do their best, Shevchenko included.”

Ukraine’s hopes of a good start will rest on their ability to stifle Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The AC Milan striker has been a mainstay in the Swedish side for more than a decade and his service has been rewarded with the captaincy.

“I’m very proud,” he said on being handed the skipper’s armband. “To experience a finals as team captain, it doesn’t get any bigger than that.

“It is also a big responsibility to lead the team in the direction you want. It’s important to start well. I remember other final rounds where we did that, and we were able to just hold on during the following matches.

“And, when we start off well, we become more self-confident.”

Ibrahimovic also believes the fans will play an important role, with 12,000 expected at tomorrow’s game and around 18,000 due at the England match on June 19.

“I have always said that fifty per cent of football is about the spectators and the atmosphere,” he added. “How the fans react and chant, that’s what gives you adrenaline and motivation.

“When things are hard on the pitch, the fans’ support can lift you ten to twenty per cent.”