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Ivan GetckoFootball player
Date of Birth: 06.04.1968
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Soviet and Ukrainian Footballer and Coach
- Failed Move to Italy and Rise in Israel
- Contract Dispute and Return to Russia
- Success in Vladikavkaz and Dnipro
- International Career
- Ukraine
Soviet and Ukrainian Footballer and Coach
Early Life and CareerVolodymyr Hetskо was born on August 7, 1968, in Irshava, Ukraine. He began his football journey in 1981 at the local youth sports school, DYuSSh, under the guidance of coach A. Uygeli. He continued his education at the Lviv Sports School.
In the late 1980s, Hetskо gained recognition while playing for Chornomorets Odessa. After a friendly match between the USSR national team and Foggia in June 1991, he was set to join the Italian club. However, a contract dispute resulted in the transfer falling through.
Failed Move to Italy and Rise in Israel
Despite the setback, Hetskо traveled to Italy and spent two months training with Genoa. However, he was informed that he would not immediately be included in the first team and the proposed contract did not meet his expectations. He eventually returned to Odessa.
In the summer of 1992, Hetskо signed with Maccabi Haifa in Israel, a move he saw as a stepping stone toward bigger opportunities. He scored 15 goals in his first season, becoming one of the league's top scorers.
Contract Dispute and Return to Russia
Maccabi Haifa refused to let their prized striker go, setting high transfer fees to deter potential buyers. Hetskо initiated legal proceedings against the club, which dragged on for months. In 1994, he played almost no games before FIFA declared him a free agent.
Hetskо attempted to return to Chornomorets Odessa, but the head coach rejected his services. He was then invited to join Lokomotiv Nizhny Novgorod by Valery Ovchinnikov, where he signed a 1.5-year contract. Hetskо quickly regained his scoring form in Russia.
Success in Vladikavkaz and Dnipro
In 1997, Hetskо transferred to Alania Vladikavkaz, where he scored a hat-trick in his debut match against KAMAZ. However, his performance declined later in the season. He moved to Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk in Ukraine during the summer break, scoring against Alania in their UEFA Cup clash.
International Career
USSRHetskо represented the USSR national team in five matches between 1990 and 1991.
Ukraine
He played four games for the Ukrainian national team, scoring one goal. Hetskо made his debut in the inaugural match of the newly formed Ukrainian team against Hungary in 1992, becoming the first Ukrainian player to find the net internationally. His last appearance for the national team came in 1997 against Croatia.
