In the playoff match for Euro-2023 (U-21) qualification, Ukraine's youth national team defeated Slovakia and qualified for their third European championship in history.

Four days ago in Jilina, the blue-and-yellow sided with a score of 2-3. In the return match, our team was forced to host Slovakia in the Polish city of Bielsko-Biała due to Russia's invasion. Ruslan Rotan made three changes to his lineup, including replacing the suspended Vovcharenko with Drambeyev.

Photo by the press service of the UAF

The first dangerous moment was created by the visitors — on the 10th minute, after our mistake in defense, Susev broke through, but Trubin saved. The Ukrainians tried to attack more often, for example during one of the set pieces, Sykan put Sych into a shooting position, but the goalkeeper proved stronger.

In the first half, our opponents had the initiative and tested our goal twice through Susev and Kapralik. Near the end of the 45-minute period, our boys responded with Bondarenko's shot on target and an inaccurate penalty by Sudakov.

Photo by the press service of the UAF

However, after halftime, blue-and-yellow put all questions to rest in this tie. On the 48th minute, Sudakov sent a pass into the penalty area for Sych, who then passed it to Sykan on an empty net. 1-0. Shortly thereafter, Drambeyev's shot from a cross by Sych was parried by Belko, but Sykan was first to the rebound. 2-0. Finally, at the 66th minute, Danilo completed his hat-trick — Kryskiv outmaneuvered an opponent, entered the penalty area and assisted the forward. 3-0.

After this, Slovakia had their moments. Trubin saved Dyatko's shot, Susev narrowly missed from a penalty kick, and Golian failed to put the ball into an empty net. However, they could not score even one goal. Moreover, our boys could have scored a fourth.

Photo by the press service of the UAF

In summary, Rostan's wards overcame Slovakia and qualified for the final tournament to be held in June-July next year in Romania and Georgia. For Ukraine's 'youth team', this will be their third European Championship after Euro-2006 and Euro-2011. The draw for the final tournament will take place on October 18 (start at 7:00 PM Kyiv time).

Euro-2023 (U-21). Qualification. Play-off. Return Match

Ukraine — Slovakia — 3:0 (0:0)

Goals: Sykan (48, 54, 66).

Ukraine: Trubin, Sych, Taloverov, Syrota, Drambeyev, Kryskiv (Zhelizko, 89), Bondarenko (c) (Ocheretko, 89), Mikhaylenko (Brachko, 46), Vyunnik (Nazarenko, 46), Sykan (Vanat, 71), Sudakov.

Substitutes: Fesun, Bol, Kukharovich, Yarmoluk.

Coach: Ruslan Rotan.

Slovakia: Belko, Dyatko, Nemchik, Obert, Mesic, Lavrinchik (Golyan, 62), Pokorny (c) (Mislovich, 63), Kadak (Trusa, 70), Kapralik (Strzelczyk, 81), Susev.

Substitutes: Ludga, Sulja, Kosa, Nebila, Vojtko.

Coach: Jaroslav Kentos.

Referee: Rohit Saggi (Norway).

Yellow cards: Vyunnik (20), Syrota (90) — Kapralik (14), Pokorny (80), Susev (90).

September 27. Bielsko-Biała. Municipal Stadium.

First match — 2-3.

Euro-2023 (U-21). Qualification. Play-off

Slovakia — UKRAINE — 3:2, 0:3

Croatia — Denmark — 2:1, 1:2 (pen. 5:4)

Iceland — Czech Republic — 1:2, 0:0

Ireland — Israel — 1:1, 0:0 (pen. 1:3)

Final tournament: June 21 - July 8, 2023.

Participants of the final tournament: Romania, Georgia, Belgium, England, France, Germany, Portugal, Netherlands, Spain, Norway, Italy, Switzerland, Ukraine, Croatia, Czech Republic, Israel.

The tournament featuring 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 of the tournament will take place in Romania, while the final will be held in Georgia.

The three best teams at Euro-2023 (excluding France) will receive tickets to the 2024 Olympic Games.