Golden goal a dream for Ilsinho

In a Q&A with uefa.com readers, Brazilian winger Ilsinho admits he is "still pinching" himself in disbelief after scoring the last-minute winner that sent his side to the UEFA Cup final at FC Dynamo Kyiv's expense. Here the 23-year-old Brazilian midfielder answers your questions.

How did you feel when you scored against Dynamo?
Nados-champ

Ilsinho: I'm still pinching myself; not just because I have never been a prolific goal scorer but also because I was shattered in that game. I had even asked the coach a few minutes before if he would take me off because I was starting to get cramp and couldn't run up and down the pitch anymore. The game was being played at a crazy pace and then – BAM! – I score for the first time in almost six months ...

What has been the biggest contributing factor in Shakhtar's European success this season? How do you find the quality of football and teams in the Ukrainian Priemier League?
Andrij, 26, Ukraine

Ilsinho: The Premier League is dominated by us and Dynamo, but I see the quality improving as a whole. As for our campaign, it's a combination of factors, including the fact we did not feel intimidated by playing the likes of Barcelona and Tottenham away from home. We are much better than many give us credit for.

Do you enjoy playing for FC Shakhtar?
Mykolaichuk Oleksandr, 20, Ternopil, Ukraine

Ilsinho: I do. The supporters are amazing and I had goose bumps seeing how ecstatic they got when we beat Dynamo to make the final. I want to see those scenes again soon and it would be a great way to repay the club's faith in me to parade that trophy.

With Diego and Hugo Almeida suspended for Werder, Shakhtar's chances to win the UEFA Cup are significantly rising. What do you think?

Ilsinho: I feel really sorry for Diego, who's an amazing player and had such an important role in Bremen's campaign, but it is a bit of a relief knowing that a guy of his quality won't be facing us. Still, Bremen are the favourites and we are going to have put on a wonderful display if we want to bring that trophy to Ukraine. It's not to say we can't do it, but we have to be aware it will be difficult.

Your goal shocked us. What is the attitude in the team before the UEFA Cup final and how high do you rate your chances to prevail?

Ilsinho: I think that everybody at the club is aware of how important this match is for Ukranian football and that we all would benefit from this first European trophy. But we also know Shakhtar deserve to be there. We have overcome sides with much bigger reputations on the way to this final and the players are confident we can give anyone a decent run for their money. It's very different now everything has to be decided by one game, but we trust our squad.

Having made your international debut in 2007, do you expect to be recalled to the Brazil national team?
Rustam Vyshegurov

Ilsinho: It would be a bit presumptuous of me to think I deserve a place now when most of the group has been together for almost three years. Perhaps I still need some more mileage to really challenge for more caps. The 2010 World Cup seems a bit beyond my reach but in 2014 the tournament will be played in Brazil and I don't need to tell you how fantastic it would be to make it to the squad then.

What is it like to play for Shakhtar?

Ilsinho: I feel really proud to be playing for Shakhtar and although there are a lot of cultural and weather differences between Brazil and Ukraine, I feel I've adapted to Ukrainian football far better than I could have imagined.