Last Friday, May 20, the Ukrainian FIFA eFootball team concluded their participation in the main round of qualification for the FIFAe Nations Cup 2022. Based on their results, the Ukrainian team secured eighth place in Group A and was eliminated from further competition for a world ranking.

The Ukrainian team consisting of Andriy CIG_ST92 Shakalov, Yaroslav ECF_BlackStar98 Gurmak, and Oleksiy ForlanFS Mercer played matches in the group stage round-robin format "2 on 2" simulator FIFA 22 on PlayStation 5 against teams from Austria, Serbia, Portugal, Ireland, Spain, Finland, and Switzerland.

Despite relatively unsuccessful performances in the early stages of the competition, the second day of play saw an encouraging and decisive victory for Ukraine over Ireland — 4:0.

In their match against Austria, our eFootball players conceded first but managed to level the score. Throughout the game, it was actually the blue-and-yellow team that had more chances of securing a win — 1:1.

Crucially in the tournament context were three consecutive losses for Ukraine's team against Serbia, Finland, and Portugal. While the loss to Portugal with a score of 1:3 seemed justified given that the Portuguese did not lose any match throughout the main round, in both other matches our boys could have scored points. Unfortunately, in both cases, the outcome was decided by a single goal in favor of their opponents.

However, Ukraine's team clung to hope until the very end. This was aided by an expected victory over Switzerland — 3:0.

To secure sixth place and qualify for the lower bracket of the round of 16, Ukraine's team needed to win their final match against Spain. Sadly, but the Spaniards capitalized on their opportunities and kept Ukraine out of the world championship — 4:0.

Thus, based on the results of two game days in the main round qualification for FIFAe Nations Cup 2022, Ukraine's team with nine points secured eighth place in Group A and lost all chances to qualify for the world forum of eFootball.

However, the Ukrainian Association of Electronic Football thanks the team that, under particularly difficult circumstances during wartime, did everything possible to prepare and participate in prestigious international competitions. The UAEF also thanks supporters who joined the broadcasts and remained faithful until the end, cheering on blue-and-yellow.

The Ukrainian eFootball team will return stronger! Glory to Ukraine!