Today, the Ukraine U-21 team will play in Istanbul against France in a match for the European first place selection of 2023. The coach of the blue and yellow team, Ruslan Rotan, shared his thoughts on the upcoming confrontation.

"Almost all of our recent training sessions were aimed at recovery because we had two tough matches, a flight to Faroe Islands, playing on artificial turf, then returning to Istanbul where there is different weather and grass... The boys played with full commitment. It was difficult in some parts due to lack of energy, but especially in the second half, we demonstrated our football style, and I am satisfied with the players."

"I believe that for today's match, there is no need to specifically prepare the boys because this will be a game for first place. Six points are at stake. So, whoever says we don't have chances, I would answer like this: 'Chances exist even when they don’t.'"

"Unfortunately, our squad situation remains unchanged as planned. We expected Dydik to return but his recovery has been delayed a bit. We hope he will recover for the match against Armenia. The same goes with Kapinus."

It's almost a year since our first match against France. Our team has changed in terms of mentality, psychology, and I think even in playing style. Today, I told this to the boys. We have become much more confident, so it will be great motivation to play against a worthy opponent because according to all statistical indicators, the French national team is number one. Therefore, for us, this is a big incentive,"— said Ruslan Rotan.

Let's remind that today’s match between Ukraine and France U-21 teams will start at 19:45 Kyiv time.

Note that the Ukrainian team has already secured a place in the playoffs, as they are below second place. However, blue and yellow have chances to become the best among the second-placed teams or even take first place, although theoretically (if they win both matches against France with a score of 6-0 or better).

In the current ranking of second-place teams, Ruslan Rotan's wards are in third position. To count on a lucky ticket from the second spot, it is necessary to defeat France and hope for an unfavorable group I outcome—Denmark losing points in one of their two home matches against Turkey and Scotland. However, even with the maximum score by Danes, there’s still a chance to qualify when considering the overall goal difference.

Let's remind that 16 teams will participate in the final stage of Euro-2023 (U-21)—Romania and Georgia as tournament hosts plus 14 national teams joining them based on qualification results (nine group winners, best team among second-placed teams, and four playoff winners).

EURO-2023 (U-21). Qualifying Tournament. Group H

Tournament Table

June 9, 2022

Ukraine — France

June 12, 2022

Armenia — Ukraine

Current table of second-placed teams (as of June 8, 2022)

Play-off: October 20-27, 2022.

Final Tournament: June/July 2023.

The tournament involving 16 teams will take place on four stadiums in Romania (two — in Cluj-Napoca and two — in Bucharest) and four in Georgia (in Batumi, Poti and two — in Tbilisi). The opening match will be held in Romania, while the final will take place in Georgia.