In the group stage of European supremacy, blue-and-yellow conceded to the Netherlands (2:3), thrashed Serbia (6:1), and lost to Portugal (0:1), but secured second place in their quartet and advanced to the knockout stage. The Ukrainian team reached the quarter-finals of Euro sixth time in a row, and this time they were drawn against Kazakhstan, the fourth-ranked team in UEFA's rankings.

A good sign for Oleksandr Kosenko was the return to the lineup of Razuvanov, Pedias, and Radovich; also, Zvarich made it into the squad despite an injury sustained against Portugal. However, Farynyuk still could not help the team. Nevertheless, Kazakhstan had their own personnel issues due to the absence of naturalized Brazilians Edson and Tainan.

The start of the match seemed nervous without any dangerous moments. Midway through the first half, Kazakhstan had several goal-scoring opportunities — Tursagulov hit the post, Cipun Orazov and Igit tested the goalkeeper. On the 14th minute, already goalkeeper "Yastubiv" resisted attempts by Lebid and Zvarich.

Photo uefa.com

Towards the end of the half, Ukrainians took the lead thanks to Shourma's penalty goal scored by Korsun. Soon after, Abakshin had a dangerous header but Igit was on hand. On the 19th minute, Chernyavsky outmaneuvered several defenders but hit the post. Kazakhstan could have equalized before halftime, but Douglas' excellent combination play resulted in a shot that hit the crossbar of Cipun's goal.

At the start of the second half, both teams exchanged several shots on target, and at the 25th minute, after Zvarich's clever pass, Korsun scored. Score — 0:2; Kazakhstan started to aggressively push Igit forward, playing five-a-side in the opponent’s half, for which they paid dearly. On the 30th minute, Zvarich scored an empty-net goal, and later Abakshin missed another chance.

After this, Cipun had to come into play several times but failed to parry Douglas' powerful shot. Later, naturalized Brazilian made a few dangerous shots, but this time Kirilo was up to the task. In turn, Cipun himself could have scored twice but missed both empty-net opportunities. On the 38th minute, Orazov reduced the deficit for Kazakhstan.

However, Ukrainians managed to avoid a nervous finish as Razuvanov was able to score an empty net goal in one of the episodes. A few moments later, Lebid scored the fifth goal for our team. Later, Orazov completed his brace and Douglas hit the post again, but Kazakhstan ran out of time. In summary, 5:3 — Oleksandr Kosenko's wards advance to the semi-finals. Ukrainians will play at this stage for the first time in 17 years. 

Photo uefa.com

Thus, after six attempts, Ukraine's national team managed to overcome the quarter-final stage at European championships. On February 4th, blue-and-yellow will play against the winner of the Russia vs Georgia match in the semi-finals.

UEFA Euro-2022 Futsal Play-offs

Quarter-final

January 31, 2022

Kazakhstan — Ukraine — 3:5 (0:1)

Goals: Douglas (34), Orazov (38, 40) — Shourma (15, from the penalty), Korsun (25), Zvarich (30), Razuvanov (39), Lebid (39).

Kazakhstan: Igit (c) — Knauv, Tursagulov, Douglas, Orazov; Atantayev, Karagulyov, Valiyullin, Akbalikov, Yesenamanov, Tokaev, Sagindikov.

Coach: Kaka.

Ukraine: Cipun — Chernyavsky, Korsun, Shourma (c), Zvarich; Savenko, Radovich, Razuvanov, Lebid, Syryi, Abakshin, Zhurba, Pedias.

Coach: Oleksandr Kosenko.

Yellow card: Tursagulov (23).

January 31, Amsterdam. Ziggo Dome.

Portugal — Finland — 3:2 (2:1)

Goals: Afonso (4, 15), Angelo (30) — Hosio (10), Autio (27).

February 1, 2022

Russia — Georgia (18.00, Amsterdam)

Spain — Slovakia (21.00, Amsterdam)

Semi-finals

February 4, 2022

Portugal — Spain/Slovakia (Amsterdam)

Ukraine — Russia/Georgia (Amsterdam)

Match for 3rd place

February 6, 2022

15.30, Amsterdam

Final

February 6, 2022

18.30, Amsterdam

Match start times are in Kyiv time.