The Ukrainian youth team qualified for the Euro tournament for the third time in their history. They began their journey at the tournament with a blue-and-yellow match against Croatia, which was playing its first game under the leadership of Dragan Škoc.

It's worth noting that on the eve of the team's departure, due to an injury Mikhaylenko withdrew from the lineup and was replaced by Saluk. Four players recently joined the youth squad from the national team setup, with Trubin immediately starting in the lineup. Meanwhile, Mudryk and Vanat had health issues.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

The blue-and-yellows started the match better, holding onto the ball and conducting more focused attacks. Although Croatia occasionally responded, as with a blocked shot from Frigan. On the 19th minute, our team scored on their first attempt - after receiving the ball from Bondarenko, Kashchuk dribbled past four defenders and scored in the far corner. 1:0.

The Balkan side responded with a dangerous penalty kick, which Bondarenko fouled. Later, our team tried to score with Kashchuk and Sikan - their attempts were blocked. Shortly after, Bulat again attempted a penalty shot, but this time Trubin had to make the save.

Subsequently, our team several times launched decent attacks, yet no shots on goal materialized. Instead, towards the end of the first half, Trubin had to come out after shots from Beljo and Frigan.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

In the beginning of the second 45-minute period, Ukrainians doubled their lead - after successful actions on the flank and a cross from Kashchuk, Sikan scored with his head. 2:0. Shortly thereafter, the same pair organized another good attack, but this time Danil Kotsarsky was there to clear it.

Subsequently, initiative passed to our opponents who started creating dangerous moments. Thus, several shots were blocked by Ukraine's defenders in the last moment, and on the 61st minute Stojkovic hit the crossbar from a lethal position. Later, Frigan finished off a cross from Stojkovic with a shot near the post.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

On the 75th minute, there was again a heated moment near Trubin's goal - Beljo played with Stojkovic and scored past the near post. The Ukrainians responded with a dynamic attack that Nazarenko set up, but his cross wasn't converted by any of his teammates. Shortly after, Bondarenko scored from a penalty kick, while in Croatia Franjic hit the crossbar with his header off a set piece.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

In the final minutes, both teams frequently shot at goal but lacked accuracy. The Balkans failed to score and in the end blue-and-yellows secured a victory at the start of the European Championship - 2:0. Our boys will play their next match on June 24 against Romania.

EURO-2023 (U-21). Final tournament. Group V

Round 1

Ukraine (U-21) - Croatia (U-21) - 2:0 (1:0)

Goals: Kashchuk (19), Sikan (48).

Ukraine (U-21): Trubin, Syts, Batagov, Taloverov, Vycharenko, Bondarenko (c), Brachko (Zhelezko, 84), Kashchuk (Vyunnik, 71), Krisikiv (Ocheretko, 71), Bragaru (Nazarenko, 62), Sikan (Sudakov, 84).

Substitutes: Nescheret, Fesyun, Syrota, Saluk, Mudryk, Vanat, Liah.

Coach: Ruslan Rotan.

Croatia (U-21): Kotsarsky, Sigur, Franjic (c), Perkovic, Cholina (Shego, 58), Bulat, Prshir (Hodza, 84), Kachavenda (Stojkovic, 58), Baturna, Beljo (Simic, 84), Frigan (Vidovich, 73).

Substitutes: Pandur, Chavolina, Palaversa, Soldo, Galesevic, Krizmancic, Fruk.

Coach: Dragan Škoc.

Referee: Mohammed Al-Hakim (Sweden).

Yellow cards: Kachavenda (16), Stojkovic (82).

June 21. Bucharest. Rapid-Gulesti Stadium.

Romania - Spain - 0:3 (0:0)

Goals: Bayena (55), Miranda (62), S. Gomez (90+5).

Round 2

June 24, 2023

Romania - Ukraine 19.00 (Bucharest)

Spain - Croatia 21.45 (Bucharest)

Round 3

June 27, 2023

Croatia - Romania 21.45 (Bucharest)

Spain - Ukraine 21.45 (Bucharest)