If you are talking about physical condition, we saw in the last friendly (against Turkey in Austria) that our side was able to add to its performance in the last 15 minutes of the match, Blokhin said at a Kiev press conference. We are now working on mental preparation.
Suspected tainted food had given 10 players gastric complaints earlier in the week, but all 23 Ukrainians are now fully fit and making normal preparations for an upcoming Monday match against Sweden, he said.
Swedish coach Sweden coach Erik Hamren earlier in the day predicted a tough match and called the Ukrainians favourites because of home crowd support.
Told of Hamren's estimate, Blokhin responded: I've been hearing that for years, the moment I took over the team, every one said 'We have to win because we're the hosts.' What, that means that we should split title right now with (Euro 2012 co-host) Poland?
Blokhin said that he considered Ukraine's becoming a co-host of Euro already a huge success that had advanced the country forward 20 or 30 years.
A legendary footballer during the Soviet era, as a coach Blokhin led Ukraine to a surprise last eight finish at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Asked what he would consider a successful performance by his side at Euro, Blokhin responded: We're going to have to play and see.
Ukraine faces Sweden, England and France in Euro 2012's Group D.
