Olympic Games 2024. Post-match reactions from Ukraine vs. Egypt friendly

15.07.2024 19:41

The head coach of the Ukraine Olympic team, Ruslan Rotan, and midfielder Maksym Bragaru commented on their team's friendly match against Egypt (1:1).

"Before the game, we understood that our physical condition was not at its best. Essentially, we were working on our fitness, but the players lacked freshness. This led to simple mistakes. I believe that with time, we will improve. We will correct some tactical errors. The match against Egypt was beneficial. It gave us a lot to think about. We will analyze it. The main thing is to become stronger physically.

At the Olympic Games, we will have 18 players. That’s very few. The group stage matches are played every third day. With only 18 players on the roster, including 16 outfield players, it will be very challenging physically. It would be better if it were like the European Championship, but we need to accept the situation. That’s the format, and I think the players understand this," said Ruslan Rotan.

"How did we score? The team played very well, with a good combination and a cross from the flank. The ball bounced near the penalty spot, and I struck it. What worked and what didn’t will be analyzed by the coaching staff. We had good moments and bad ones. We will conduct an analysis and move forward, preparing for the Olympic Games.

There were many Ukrainian fans at the game, and we felt their support. Of course, we wanted even more of them, but we are grateful—we could hear them," added Maksym Bragaru.

Ruslan Rotan's team will play their second friendly match against Paraguay. It will take place in the Aquitanian town of Ajatmo at the Alain Lansaman Stadium on July 18 (kickoff at 19:00 Kyiv time).

Official Roster of Ukraine's Olympic Football Team for the 2024 Games

Goalkeepers

Defenders

Midfielders

Forwards

The list includes 22 players, with four reserved spots.

According to the regulations, players born after January 1, 2001, are eligible to participate. Additionally, each team can include three players who are older than this age.

2024 Olympics. Men's Football Tournament

Group A: France, USA, Guinea, New Zealand.

Group B: Argentina, Morocco, Iraq, Ukraine.

Group C: Uzbekistan, Spain, Egypt, Dominican Republic.

Group D: Japan, Paraguay, Mali, Israel.

Group B Schedule

July 24, 2024

Argentina vs Morocco (16:00, Saint-Étienne)

Iraq vs Ukraine (20:00, Lyon)

July 27, 2024

Argentina vs Iraq (16:00, Lyon)

Ukraine vs Morocco (18:00, Saint-Étienne)

July 30, 2024

Ukraine vs Argentina (18:00, Lyon)

Morocco vs Iraq (18:00, Nice)

All match times are in Kyiv time.