On Wednesday, March 23, the national team of Ukraine held a friendly match against English 'Brentford B' on the training ground where Ruslan Rotan's team is preparing for their Euro-2024 qualifier match against England.

At the initiative of the hosts, the match was not played at their club stadium but rather at a nearby venue — the FC 'Wimbledon' arena.

By mutual agreement, it was decided to make the match closed for media and without broadcast. Only representatives of official delegations of both sides and families of Ukrainian footballers living abroad were allowed into the stands.

Photos by Pavel Kubanov

For Ruslan Rotan, this friendly was the only opportunity to test players in conditions closer to an official match rather than during training sessions. Moreover, the weather was purely English — high humidity and a light drizzle that occasionally intensified. All players present at the camp were included in the protocol except for Yarmolenko who is recovering from injury, Sidorchuk who had caught a slight cold, and Zinchenko and Trubin who simply needed rest.

Photos by Pavel Kubanov

From the first whistle, Ukraine took control and persistently tried to implement the instructions received during numerous training sessions under the guidance of their new coach.

Photos by Pavel Kubanov

It was difficult to call the play of both teams impressive until halftime. However, initiative remained with Ukraine's side. As a result — a goal from a corner kick. Malinovskyi delivered from the right flank and Svatos proved to be quickest in the penalty area, heading home. The Ukrainian team had several chances to score more before halftime but missed out on one when the ball hit the crossbar after an unsuccessful clearance by Brentford players, and another when Yaremchuk and his teammates failed to capitalize despite being close.

Photos by Pavel Kubanov

In the second half, only Boyko remained from the starting lineup. However, Ukraine's game picture did not change — initiative still belonged to Ruslan Rotan’s team.

The Ukrainians had several opportunities to increase their lead but capitalized on just one of them. On the 65th minute mark, Sudakov scored from outside the penalty area and the opposing goalkeeper was helpless. Score 0-2.

Photos by Pavel Kubanov

However, after that he saved his team from shots by Konoplyanka, Dovbik and Tsygankov. At the end of the match Boyko missed a great opportunity to score with an amazing shot from ten meters out, hitting over the crossbar.

Photos by Pavel Kubanov

Friendly Match

Brentford B (England) - Ukraine 0-2 (0-1)

Goals: Svatos (22), Sudakov (65).

Brentford B: Winterbottom, Wilson, Adeyedokun, Krama, Olakigbe (Yonge, 79), Trevitt, Gilbert, Dasilva, Lisby (Holland, 51), Jansson, Silla (Young-Kumbs, 67).

Substitutes: Rose, Wilcox, Dickow, Beckham, Bennett, Varui, McManus.

Coach: Neil MacFarlane.

Ukraine (First Half): Lunin, Karavaev, Svatos, Matviyenko, Mykolenko, Stepanenko, Malinovskyi, Bondarenko, Boyko, Mudryk, Yaremchuk.

Ukraine (Second Half): Shevchenko, Miroshnychenko, Popov, Sarapay, Sobol, Tsygankov, Pikhalyonok, Sudakov, Boyko, Konoplyanka, Dovbik.

Coach: Ruslan Rotan.

Referee: Grem Scott (England).

March 23, London. The Cherry Red Records Stadium.

The Euro-2024 qualifier match between England and Ukraine will take place on March 26 in London at Wembley (kickoff — 19.00 Kyiv time).

Photos by Pavel Kubanov