In the group stage of European supremacy, blue-and-yellow lost to the Netherlands (2:3), thrashed Serbia (6:1), and fell to Portugal (0:1), but secured second place in their quartet and advanced to the knockout stage. In the quarter-finals, Oleksandr Kosenko's wards overcame Kazakhstan (5:3). Thus, the Ukrainian team for the first time since 2005 reached the top four at the European Championship.

In the semi-finals, blue-and-yellow were drawn against Russia, who occupy the top step in the current UEFA ranking. The Ukrainian team has already faced this opponent three times on European Championships and once at World Championships. Our team won one match and conceded three losses. It's worth noting that Oleksandr Kosenko finally managed to include all 14 available players in the squad.

Photo uefa.com

The opponents were able to take the lead as early as the second minute — Sokolov scored via a deflection. The Ukrainians needed time to settle and organize their game in both defense and attack; during this period, our team was saved several times by Tsybun.

To change the course of the game, Oleksandr Kosenko actively used the fifth fielder tactic. Unfortunately, on the 15th minute, the opponent took advantage of it — Afanasiev first hit the crossbar and then scored a goal. However, almost immediately, Syriy reduced the score with an excellent shot off the rebound, while Lebid missed the crossbar just before halftime.

Photo uefa.com

At the start of the second half, Tsybun was helped by a post to which Davydov shot. Shortly after, our goalkeeper parried a dangerous shot from Chishkala. The Ukrainians responded with some good but inaccurate attempts from Zvarych and Abakshin.

Unfortunately, on the 31st minute, the opponents scored their third goal — Niyazov netted with scissors. After this, Ukraine took control of the game; Shourma and Syriy broke through into the opponent's half. On the 35th minute, blue-and-yellow again reduced the deficit when Abakshin skillfully handled the ball near the opponents' goal. Shortly after, a great chance was missed by Shourma, but the captain of Ukraine's national team shot wide.

Towards the end of the match, Ukrainians had real chances to tie and take the game into extra time. On the 39th minute, Korsun won a penalty, but Shourma failed to score past the goalkeeper. On the 40th minute, teammates set up Abakshin for a goal-scoring position, but he lacked accuracy.

Photo uefa.com

Therefore, Ukraine lost in the semi-finals of Euro 2022 with a score of 2-3. On Sunday, February 6th, blue-and-yellow will compete for third place against Spain.

UEFA Futsal EURO 2022 Play-offs

Semi-finals

February 4, 2022

Ukraine — Russia — 2:3 (1:2)

Goals: Syriy (16), Abakshin (35) — Sokolov (2), Afanasiev (15), Niyazov (31).

Missed penalty: Shourma (39, 'U').

Ukraine: Tsybun — Chernyavskyi, Korsun, Shourma (c), Zvarych; Savenko, Radevich, Razuvanov, Lebid, Syriy, Abakshin, Zhurba, Farenyuk, Pedias.

Coach: Oleksandr Kosenko.

Russia: Putilov — Abramov (c), Sokolov, Paulello, Nando; Zamtaradze, Milovanov, Niyazov, Chishkala, Abramovich, Davydov, Afanasiev.

Coach: Sergei Skorovich.

Yellow cards: Syriy (10), Abakshin (23) — Abramov (33), Afanasiev (39).

February 4, Amsterdam. Ziggo Dome.

Portugal — Spain — 3:2

Semi-final match for third place

February 6, 2022

Spain — Ukraine

15.30, Amsterdam

Final

February 6, 2022

Portugal — Russia

18.30, Amsterdam

Kick-off times are in Kyiv time.