In Istanbul at the «Esenyurt Nedim Kadioglu» arena, Ukraine's youth national team played a home match in the Euro-2023 (U-21) qualification tournament against France.

The blue and yellow team had a chance to secure first place mathematically (if they won with a score of 6-0 or better). However, three points in this match gave them a real opportunity to compete for the lucky ticket to Euro-2023, which goes to the best second-placed team in the qualifying cycle.

Photo courtesy of UAF

So, the match against France was crucial for Ukraine's youth team in terms of fighting for a direct ticket to Euro-2023 (U-21). Therefore, from the first minute, the blue and yellow team tried to impose their game on the opponent. However, they conceded a goal as early as the third minute. Nevertheless, our team did not lose heart, and by the seventh minute, the score was level. A masterpiece executed by Vana led to an equalizing goal. But a beautiful interception at the tenth minute caused France to take the lead again. The goal scored by Türam. When guests scored their third goal, it smelled of defeat for Ukraine. Despite this, the blue and yellow team, as before, believed in their strength. Yes, there were problems with shots on target, but on the 44th minute, Badjashi scored an own goal, bringing our team back into the game. Score: 2-3.

However, this course of events did not satisfy us; we needed a win. So in the second half, they had to attack. And under Radan Roton's guidance, his charges made half the job done on the 50th minute when after Bondarenko's shot, the ball ricocheted off Badjashi into the net. Score: 3-3. After this, the French tried to control the game. At times they succeeded in controlling the ball, but at every opportunity, Ukrainians attempted quick counterattacks.

Photo courtesy of UAF

Towards the end of the match, Radan Roton went all in, starting to play with two pure strikers. However, the French allowed little space near their goalposts. And still, on the 90+2nd minute, Ukraine had a chance to score, but in the counterattack first Kukharev and then Bragaru failed to hit the target. So the game ended in a draw: 3-3.

Thus, our team now awaits playoff matches in September (draw - June 21).

We remind you that 16 teams will participate in the final stage of Euro-2023 (U-21) – Romania and Georgia as hosts plus another 14 national teams joining them based on qualifying results (nine group winners, the best team among second-placed teams, and four playoff winners).

Euro-2023 (U-21). Qualifying tournament. Group H

June 9, 2022

Ukraine (U-21) - France (U-21) - 3:3 (2:3)

Goals: Vana (7), Badjashi (44, own goal), Bondarenko (50) — Ablin (3), Türam (10), Guiré (25).

Ukraine (U-21): Trubin, Sytsch, Taloviyor, Bol, Vychcharenko, Mykhaylenko (Kukharev, 83), Bondarenko (c) (Zhelizko, 84), Kryskiv (Khlan', 68), Sudakov, Vyynik (Bragaru, 76), Vana (Supryaga, 68).

France (U-21): Melé, Kalulu, Lukeba, Badjashi (c), Truffe, Shotar (Kakere, 63), Türam, Koné (Camawinka, 57), Guiré (Diop, 81), Ablin (Kaliumendo-Muinya, 57), Sho (Ngumu, 63).

Yellow cards: Vyynik (36), Bondarenko (52), Vana (53) — Badjashi (43), Türam (55).

Referee: V. Fotias (Greece).

June 9. Istanbul. «Esenyurt Nedim Kadioglu» stadium.

Table

June 12, 2022

Armenia — Ukraine

Current table of second-placed teams (as of June 9, 2022)

Playoff: September 20-27, 2022.

Final tournament: June/July 2023.

The tournament involving 16 national teams will be hosted by 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 take place in Romania, while the final will be held in Georgia.