Today, September 9, the Ukraine national team played a qualification match for Euro-2024 in Wrocław, Poland. Despite not playing at home, the support from the crowd at the «Tychy-Arena» was overwhelming.

It's worth noting that the day before, the Ukrainians faced personnel issues. Yarmolenko is still recovering from an injury, and Shaparenko missed the match due to injury. Also, Timchik, Zubkov, and Pichalonnok did not make the squad for today's game. However, under the guidance of Serhiy Rebrov, the team was well-prepared for their encounter with the group favorites who had yet to lose points, and they gave them a real fight.

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

The English team dominated possession from the start, playing wide but Ukraine's defense held them back. Over time, our boys began to venture more confidently into midfield and managed to catch their opponents off guard. On the 26th minute, a three-pass sequence by Tsygankov - Konoplyanka - Zinchenko ended with Pickford conceding a goal. By the way, this is Ukraine's first goal against England since 2012.

After that, Rebrov's wards focused on defense. They did well enough, but attacking players from England also struggled to break through. However, the captain came to their aid - on the 41st minute Kane delivered a great diagonal pass from deep for Walker who outmaneuvered Mykolenko and equalized.

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

After the break, England once again took control of the game while Ukraine could only rely on counterattacks. Southgate's wards actively pushed forward and tried to score. The most dangerous attempt was Sakho's shot which Buschan tipped onto the crossbar. Later, Georgiy neutralized a Maguire header from a corner.

Ukraine managed to calm down the game despite their opponents continuing to threaten Buschan's goal. They held out in the final minutes and secured a point against the group leader - 1:1.

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

Now, the Ukrainian national team awaits another Euro-2024 qualification match - on September 12 at Milan's «San-Siro» against Italy (kick-off at 9.45 PM Kyiv time).

Euro-2024. Qualification tournament. Group S

5 round

Ukraine — England— 1:1 (1:1)

Goals: Zinchenko (26) — Walker (41).

Ukraine: Buschan, Konoplyanka, Zabarny, Matviyenko (Krivosheyov, 46), Mykolenko, Tsygankov, Stepanenko (c), Zinchenko (Boyalskyi, 76), Mudryk (Nazaryna, 90), Sudakov (Sidorchuk, 65), Yaremchuk (Dovbik, 65).

Reserves: Trubin, Lunin, Mykhaylichenko, Yarmolenko, Vanat, Popov, Karavaev.

Coach: Serhiy Rebrov.

England: Pickford, Walker, Gheihy, Maguire, Chilwell, Maddison (Foden, 65), Rice, Henderson, Saka (Gallagher, 86), Kane (c), Bellingham (Rashford, 65).

Reserves: Johnston, Ramsdale, Trippier, Coulville, Tomori, Phillips, Dunk, Eze, Wilson.

Coach: Gareth Southgate.

Referee: Georgiy Kabakov (Bulgaria).

Yellow cards: Stepanenko (22), Yaremchuk (43) — Maddison (35), Maguire (86).

September 9. Wrocław. Tychy-Arena stadium.

North Macedonia — Italy (9.45 PM)

Tournament table

6 round

September 12, 2023

Italy — Ukraine (9.45 PM)

Malta — North Macedonia (9.45 PM)