On Thursday, January 26, the Ukraine e-football team in the FIFA discipline conducted their first matches of the second qualification week for the FIFAe Nations Cup 2023. This is a historic moment for the blue and yellow team, which has never before played in the top division of prestigious esports tournaments.

The Ukrainian team competes in the play-in round, matches of which are held in a 2vs2 format on the PS5 platform and run from December 2022 to March 2023.

Oleksandr CIG Grishay Grishay and Andriy CIG ST92 Shakalov, who represent Ukraine in these competitions, started the day with a draw against Israel's team — 1:1.

Following their first qualifying point earned in the top division, they suffered two disappointing losses. Ukraine and Belgium staged a real goal shootout, but the match was decided by a penalty kick executed by the opponents (2:3). And the French were simply stronger than the Ukrainians, although it turned out to be within their reach to score one goal (1:2).

Optimism for Ukrainian esports players was added by an upset victory in the final match of the day. Our boys defeated none other than FIFA's vice-champions, Poland's team — 2:1!

Thus, the first day of the second qualification week Ukraine's team ended with four points in fourth place.

Considering the tight standings and only one point behind France, which is third, there is no doubt that the Ukrainian team will try to do everything possible to remain in Division 1. To achieve this, they need to finish the qualification week among the top three teams of their group.