Yevheniy Zhuk: "We knew we were capable of reaching the semifinals, but such is life."
The Ukrainian national handball player Yevheniy Zhuk commented on the match against France in the quarter-finals of Euro-2026.
Foto uefa.com
Let us remind you that in Zhytomyr, the blue and yellow team surrendered to France (2:4, in extra time) and ended their participation in Euro-2026. The post-match comment by Ukrainian national team player Yevhen Zhuk is published on the official UEFA website.
"The European Championship is an opportunity, a chance that we had. Not every team has such a chance. We could have reached the semi-finals, but unfortunately, we lost. We did everything we could, but our mistakes led to this result. We knew we were capable of reaching the semi-finals, but that's life. I would like to ask for forgiveness from the fans and our families, as well as thank all supporters who supported us throughout," said Yevhen Zhuk.
Quarter-finals
1. 31.01.2026. France – Ukraine – 4:2, in extra time
2. 31.01.2026. Armenia – Croatia – 0:3
3. 01.02.2026. Portugal – Belgium. 17:00 (Ljubljana)
4. 01.02.2026. Spain – Italy. 20:30 (Ljubljana)
Semi-finals
04.02.2026. France – winner of match 3. 18:00/21:30 (Ljubljana)
04.02.2026. Croatia – winner of match 4. 18:00/21:30 (Ljubljana)
Match for third place
07.02.2026. 17:00 (Ljubljana)
Final
07.02.2026. 20:30 (Ljubljana)
Match start times – Kyiv time.
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Euro 2026 with futsal. The Ukrainian national team surrendered to France and ended their tournament participation.
Euro 2026 without futsal. France is Ukraine’s opponent in the quarter-finals.