Earlier, Oleksandr Sitnyk's wards in group A1 lost to Croatia (1:2) and Italy (1:2), losing their chances of advancing to the final tournament. Now, in a match against Slovakia, our boys decided the fate of third place in the group and securing a spot in League A for the first round of Euro-2027 (U-19) qualifiers. The game took place in the Croatian city of Sesvete.

At the start of the match, both teams exchanged unsuccessful shots. On the 17th minute, Ukrainians wasted a goal-scoring opportunity — Dzurabaev intercepted the ball on an attack towards the penalty area and passed to Zubriy, who failed to score. The Slovaks responded with a shot from Husar off target.

The blue-and-yellow team continued their attacks and were closer to scoring, particularly when Lysyn missed from a good position. Later, the opponent had a dangerous set-piece shot, while our team's Gamzik failed to finish his teammate's sharp cross. Just before halftime, Zudin tested the Slovak goalkeeper.

The second half began with a long-range shot by Zudin off target. For some time, Slovakia's national team had the initiative, while Ukrainians focused on counterattacks. On the 64th minute, Zudin attempted to score after Gamzik's cross, but Gramblíčka saved for his side. On the 76th minute, there was a goal-scoring opportunity for Slovakia when Hadasevich denied Matej in close combat.

Next were two good chances for Kucheriyavyy who missed, and Lysyn had another chance but shot comfortably into the goalkeeper's hands. The Slovaks then failed to capitalize on their own excellent opportunity. And yet luck was on our side — at the 90th minute, Lysyn after a pass from Muradyan outmaneuvered the defender and goalkeeper and sealed the match with a goal — 1:0.

Ukrainian boys finished the mini-tournament with a win and placed third in the group, thus they will play the first round of Euro-2027 (U-19) qualifiers in League A.

EURO-2025 (U-17). Second Qualifying Round. Group A1

March 19, 2025

Ukraine — Croatia — 1:2

Italy — Slovakia — 1:0

March 22, 2025

Italy — Ukraine — 2:1

Croatia — Slovakia — 2:1

March 25, 2025

Slovakia (U-17) — Ukraine (U-17) — 0:1 (0:0)

Goal: Lysyn (90).

Slovakia (U-17): Gramblíčka, Husar (Richter, 67), Vincent, Kodaj, Mikunda (Lerint, 81), Rainoga, Enchush, Matej, Rabatin, Kasana (Labo, 67), Koribsky (Pecuk, 60).

Ukraine (U-17): Hadasevich, Kutya, Milokost, Onyshchuk, Zalypka, Sereda (O. Tkachenko, 75), Lysyn, Dzurabaev (Petrovsky, 90+4), Gamzik (Muradyan, 66), Zudin (Kalyuzhnyi, 90+4), Zubriy (Kucheriyavyy, 66).

Yellow cards: Matej (48), Rabatin (51) — Lysyn (15), Kucheriyavyy (90+5), Zalypka (90+6).

March 26, 2025

Croatia — Italy — 1:2

Final Standings

Results of the draw for the second qualifying round of Euro-2025 (U-17)

League A

Group A1: Italy, Croatia, Ukraine, Slovakia.

Group A2: Spain, Austria, Germany, Norway.

Group A3: France, Greece, Denmark, Finland.

Group A4: Portugal, Serbia, Netherlands, Hungary.

Group A5: Czech Republic, Switzerland, Turkey, Sweden.

Group A6: Belgium, Poland, Iceland, Ireland.

Group A7: England, Northern Ireland, Slovenia, Israel.

28 teams were divided into seven groups of four participants. Seven group winners in League A earned the right to join the host nation for Euro-2025 (U-17), Albania, in the final tournament which will take place from May 19 to June 1. Seven teams that finished fourth in their respective League A groups will drop down to League B in the first round of Euro-2027 (U-19) qualifiers.

League B

Group B1: Romania, North Macedonia, Scotland, Liechtenstein.

Group B2: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus, Armenia, San Marino.

Group B3: Montenegro, Latvia, Estonia, Gibraltar.

Group B4: Kosovo, Cyprus, Moldova, Andorra.

Group B5: Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Malta, Faroe Islands.

Group B6: Albania, Wales, Azerbaijan.

Group B7: Lithuania, Georgia, Kazakhstan.

26 teams were divided into five groups of four participants and two groups of three participants. Seven group winners in League B will move up to League A for the first round of Euro-2027 (U-19) qualifiers.

It is worth noting that Euro-2025 (U-17) will serve as a qualifier for the 2025 World Cup in the U-17 category, which will feature 48 teams and take place in Qatar.