A friendly match against Croatia's "Rijeka" continued the national team of Ukraine's series of matches in preparation for the 2022 World Cup playoffs and June encounters in the Nations League 2022/2023.

In the third friendly match of March, the blue-and-yellow team faced "Rijeka" from Croatia. As a reminder, earlier Ukraine's national team defeated "Borussia" from Mönchengladbach (2:1) and Italian "Empoli" (3:1).

Photo by the press service of the UAF

Our football players took to the field in a special kit. Before the match, Croats addressed words of support for our country — Dario Srna, director of Donetsk's "Shakhtar," and Igor Yovichевич, head coach of "Dnipro-1." The Ukrainian anthem was performed by well-known Ukrainian singer Svitlana Tarabara.

For Ukrainians, entry to the Rujevica stadium today was free. It should be noted that funds collected from this and other friendly matches of Ukraine's national team will be transferred to the United24 platform.

Considering that only yesterday blue-and-yellow played against "Empoli," Oleksandr Petrakov fielded a new starting lineup. Popov, who sustained an injury in the previous match, could not help the team.

Photo by the press service of the UAF

Ukrainians controlled the ball from the very start, and for a while there were no clear chances. On the 15th minute, Vuk had a shot on goal near the post in "Rijeka." Later, Boyal'skyy scored after hitting the goalkeeper with his shot following Konoplya's cross. At the 24th minute, Ukraine's advantage turned into a goal — after Boyal'skyy's corner kick, Harmash powerfully struck from a rebound without giving the keeper any chance. 0:1.

Photo by the press service of the UAF

Closer to halftime, Croats began to challenge more often in Buzhan's possession. In one episode, Muric broke into the penalty area but missed the far corner. And at the 37th minute, the hosts equalized — after a positional error by our center-backs, Vuk first hit the post and then crossed for Drmich who scored the goal. 1:1. Before halftime, Harmash and Dovbik had half-chances but lacked power and accuracy in their shots.

Photo by the press service of the UAF

At the start of the second half, Ukrainians sent the ball into the net but Zubkov's goal was nullified due to an offside in Besedin earlier in the attack. Shortly after, Drmich's shot was saved by Ryzhnik who substituted Buzhan at halftime. Later, Kachaраба missed a clear chance from Konoplya's corner kick.

Photo by the press service of the UAF

Ukrainians continued to dominate, while Croats responded with Drmich's shot saved by Ryzhnik. At the 70th minute, Harmash aimed high after a decent cross from his teammate, and later Besedin had another attempt on goal.

Photo by the press service of the UAF

As the match drew to a close, the pace slowed down. Blue-and-yellow tired slightly but did not give up attempts at victory. They had half-chances, but Harmash and Mudryk failed to beat the keeper. In response, on the 84th minute Stojkovich hit the post from the penalty line. In added time, the Croatian goalkeeper parried Boyal'skyy's shot after a corner kick. Thus, both teams settled for a draw — 1:1.

Friendlies

"Rijeka" (Croatia) - Ukraine - 1:1 (1:1)

Goals: Drmich (37) — Harmash (24).

"Rijeka": Zlomislic, Bodetic (Duymovic, 81), Cestic, Muric (Prins, 46), Kresic (Stojkovich, 60), Vuk (Obregon, 60), Drmich (c) (Coupland, 81), Solano (Posinkovic, 74), Bushny (Pavichic, 46), Stanic (Burchul, 81), Selaci (Lepinjica, 46).

Substitutes: Labrovic.

Captain: Goran Tomič.

Ukraine: Buzhan (Ryzhnik, 46), Konoplya, Bondar, Kachaраба, Syrota, Sidorchuk (c), Boyal'skyy, Harmash, Zubkov (Tsigankov, 79), Sikan (Mudryk, 79), Dovbik (Besedin, 46).

Substitutes: Stepanenko, Pihal'onok, Yaremchuk, Shaparenko, Pyatov, Zabarny, Karavaev, Matviienko.

Captain: Oleksandr Petrakov.

Referee: Ivan Bebek (Croatia).

Yellow cards: Cestic (77) — Sidorchuk (57), Kachaраба (86).

May 18. Rijeka. Rujevica Stadium.