Ukraine Olympic team players reflect on Summer Games preparation and Paraguay friendly

20.07.2024 13:00

Ukraine Olympic team players Oleksiy Sych, Maksym Khlan, and Oleh Fedor shared insights on the team’s preparation for the 2024 Summer Games in France.

On July 18, as part of their preparation for the 2024 Games in France, the Ukraine Olympic team played their second friendly match against Paraguay, which ended in a 2:2 draw. Midfielders Maksym Khlan and Oleh Fedor scored the goals for the Blue and Yellows.

"I’m pleased with the goal, but it was created by the team, so thanks to them. We need to score more in the future because the draw isn't satisfying — our team loves to win. This was a preparatory match, and we will take only its useful lessons. We will analyze both our mistakes and successful actions. We won’t dwell on this game, although it’s unfortunate that the opponents equalized after we were leading 2:0. That's bad, but we will make adjustments and move forward," said Maksym Khlan.

"It’s very satisfying not only to step onto the pitch but also to score. Despite this, we are not happy with the result or our performance because Paraguay forgave us many times. They had more chances to score, so we were even lucky. Matches like these are very important for developing our style of play and for understanding and feeling our teammates. Additionally, we can gauge our level compared to other teams that will compete in the Olympic Games. When the training camp started, I was injured, but I managed to recover thanks to the excellent work of the team's doctors and rehabilitators. Even while training individually, I strongly desired to return to the main group," Oleh Fedor explained.

Defender Oleksiy Sych, who recently joined the team’s camp, also participated in the match against Paraguay.

"It happened that my club initially didn't want to release me, so I’m happy to see everyone. It’s nice to be with the national team. We have a very good group, so my emotions are very positive. I haven't fully grasped what the Olympic Games are yet. It’s such a tournament that not everyone is lucky enough to participate. Later, when the Games start, I think it will hit me. As a child, I couldn't imagine competing in the Olympics. Our participation is a good indicator that both I and the team are moving in the right direction," emphasized Oleksiy Sych.

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.