June 19, Ukraine's national team played a qualifier for Euro-2024 in Trnava, Slovakia at the Anton Malatinsky Stadium against Malta.

The blue and yellow began their June marathon with a friendly match against Germany (3:3), which was Sergei Rebrov's first game in charge of the national team, followed by an incredible comeback against North Macedonia in Euro-2024 qualification (3:2).

The final test for Ukraine’s squad was a nominal home match against Malta, which took place in Trnava, Slovakia due to Russia's full-scale invasion. As before, Korchygin and Rusin were left out of the team's roster.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

In the first half, blue and yellow generally had an advantage but lacked the necessary pace and made a series of mistakes. As early as the 4th minute, Vanat could have scored, but his shot was saved by the goalkeeper, and Yarmolenko's follow-up was blocked. Malta responded with a shot on target from Jones.

Subsequently, Ukrainians focused on crosses from Ciganov and Yarmolenko from the flanks, but they failed to finish them effectively. For example, in one episode, Vanat missed the near post. On the 24th minute, the visitors wasted a golden opportunity — the ball bounced off Jones in the penalty area, but he shot wide of the goal.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

The game continued without significant moments for a long time until Ciganov attempted to score with a long-range shot over the crossbar. Soon after, Bonello received an injury following a collision with Vanat and could not continue. Matthew Grech replaced him in goal and immediately had to save a powerful shot from Malinovsky. Ciganov scored but was called back as Vanat was offside.

After halftime, Ukraine added pressure and quickly got an opportunity to score. Yarmolenko narrowly missed the cross by Mykolenko, but after a few moments, the ball hit an opponent's hand. However, the captain of blue and yellow failed to convert the penalty kick, hitting the crossbar.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

There were also moments for Yarmolenko, who nearly scored with a header shortly after coming on as a substitute. Before that, Malta had a shot from Yanham off the crossbar which Trubin saved.

Once again, Jean Borg made an error by fouling Yarmolenko in his own penalty area. This time Ciganov took the spot kick and scored. 1-0.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

In the final minutes, blue and yellow played with a lead while not allowing their opponents to threaten their goal. Moreover, after a corner kick, Zabarnyi nearly scored his second goal, but Ciganov hit the post instead. Thus, we have another consecutive victory in qualification.

Euro-2024 Qualification Group S

Round 4

Ukraine - Malta - 1:0 (0:0)

Goal: Ciganov (72, from the penalty).

On the 52nd minute Yarmolenko did not convert a penalty kick (hit the crossbar).

Ukraine: Trubin, Konoplya, Krivtsov, Zabarnyi, Matviyenko (Mykolenko, 46), Stepanenko, Malinovsky (Buialskyi, 63), Yarmolenko (c) (Sidorchuk, 81), Ciganov (Swatok, 90+5), Sudakov, Vanat (Dovbik, 63).

Substitutes: Buschan, Lunin, Sobolev, Mudryk, Timchuk, Yagnatenko, Zubkov.

Coach: Sergei Rebrov.

Malta: Bonello (M. Grech, 45+3), Z. Muscat, S. Borg (c), J. Borg, Mbong (Degabriele, 87), Yanham, Hillomie, Teuma (D. Grech, 87), Kamenzuli, Jones (Dimke, 62), Nwoko (Satariano, 46).

Substitutes: Debono, Attard, Shaw, Apap, Corbalan, N. Muscat, Pisanì.

Coach: Michele Marcolini.

Referee: Ruddy Buque (France).

Yellow cards: Vanat (43), Malinovsky (56) — J. Borg (51), S. Borg (70).

June 19, Trnava. Anton Malatinsky Stadium.

England - North Macedonia (21.45)

Table

Round 5

September 9, 2023

Ukraine — England (19.00)

North Macedonia — Italy (21.45)