EURO 2024 (U-19): Ukraine knocked out by France in semi-finals

25.07.2024 23:01

Today, July 25, the Ukraine U-19 team (players born no earlier than 2005) played their semi-final match of EURO 2024 (U-19) against France.

Our team finished second in Group A, drawing with Northern Ireland (0:0) and Norway (0:0), and securing a decisive victory over Italy (3:2). The Blue and Yellows earned a spot in the 2025 U-20 World Cup in Chile and advanced to the semifinals, where they faced the French team, who topped Group B.

It's worth noting that due to suspensions, Ukraine U-19 could not rely on Matkevych, Ponomarenko, and Vashchenko for this match.

Photo by Dan Balashov

The game took place in Belfast at Windsor Park. In the first half, the Blue and Yellows held their ground and even had the upper hand in terms of scoring opportunities. The French attempted more shots, but their efforts were either off-target or blocked. Ukraine had good chances to open the scoring: in the 20th minute, Mykhavko missed after Tsukanov's set-piece delivery, Synchuk tested the keeper, and right before the break, Husiev hit the crossbar from distance.

Photo by Dan Balashov

At the start of the second half, Krapyvtsov saved a free-kick from Bouabre. The French generally held significant possession during this period. Although our goalkeeper denied Atangana's shot from the edge of the box in the 60th minute, moments later, the French captain scored from a Meyulu corner.

Ukraine struggled to turn the game around, and in the 74th minute, Krupi's shot hit the post. In stoppage time, Krapyvtsov thwarted Krupi's bicycle kick. Nonetheless, the Blue and Yellows had a chance to equalize, but Tutierov's shot from the left flank went wide of the far post.

Photo by Dan Balashov

As a result, Dmytro Mykhaylenko's squad concluded their tournament run at the semifinal stage, narrowly losing to France, who will now compete for the title against Spain.

EURO 2024 (U-19). Semi-finals

France (U-19) — Ukraine (U-19) — 1:0 (0:0)

Goal: Atangana (61).

France (U-19): Bengui, Kambedi, Gomis, Jacquet, Soumaoro, Atangana (c), Meyulu (Amugu, 62), Benama, Michal (Eki, 46), Ngoura (Krupi, 62), Bouabre (Baoya, 80).

Ukraine (U-19): Krapyvtsov, Husiev, Yermachkov (Obinaya, 79), Oharkov, Mykhavko (Dihtyar, 79), Melnychenko (c), Synchuk, Tsukanov (Shevchenko, 62), Krevsun, Hadzhyiev, Bohdanov (Tutierov, 46).

Booked: Soumaoro (72) — Tsukanov (26), Synchuk (55).

Referee: Ishmael Barbara (Malta).

EURO 2024 (U-19).

Group A: Northern Ireland, Norway, Italy, Ukraine.

15.07.2024

Italy — Norway — 2:1

Northern Ireland — Ukraine — 0:0

18.07.2024

Norway — Ukraine — 0:0

Northern Ireland — Italy — 0:3

21.07.2024

Norway — Northern Ireland — 2:0

Ukraine — Italy — 3:2

Group A standings

Group B: Spain, France, Turkiye, Denmark.

16.07.2024

Denmark — Spain — 1:2

France — Turkey — 2:1

19.07.2024

Denmark — France — 2:4

Turkiye — Spain — 1:1

22.07.2024

Turkiye — Denmark — 3:3

Spain — France — 2:2

Group B standings

25.07.2024

Play-off match for the right to qualify for the 2025 U-20 World Cup

Norway — Turkey - 1:1 (10:9, on pens.)

Semi-finals

Italy — Spain - 0:1 (a.t.)

France — Ukraine - 1:0

28.07.2024

Final

Spain - France (21:00, Belfast)

All match times are in Kyiv time.