Previously, under the guidance of Ruslan Rotan, the Ukrainian team defeated Indonesia (3:0), Italy (4:0), and Panama (2:0). This time, the blue-yellow squad faced off against Japan in the city of Aubagne.

Photo by Anatoliy Riepin

In the 10th minute, Sikan hit the crossbar after Veleten's pass, and Batahov missed the rebound. Despite several attempts by the Ukrainian players, the Japanese defense held firm. However, just before halftime, Ukraine broke the deadlock as Sikan passed to Veletem, who scored with a low shot.

Photo by Anatoliy Riepin

After the break, Yermakov made crucial saves for Ukraine, denying shots from Yasuda and Yukutomo. In the 55th minute, Ukraine extended their lead with Veleten scoring his second goal after a pass from Khlan. Later, Yarmolyuk's powerful shot was saved by the Japanese goalkeeper, Siogai.

Towards the end of the match, Japan pulled one back, with Siogai scoring in the 81st minute. In stoppage time, Araki made a double save to deny Kucheryavyi and Krasnopir, securing the victory for Japan.

Photo by Anatoliy Riepin

With victories in all four matches, Ukraine topped their group. Ruslan Rotan's side advances to the final of the tournament, where they will face the Ivory Coast on June 16th, a team that also secured their place in the final.

International Tournament for U-23 National Teams, Tournoi Maurice Revello

Ukraine (U-23) vs. Japan (U-19) - 2:1 (1:0)

Goals: Veleten (42', 55') - Siogai (81')

Ukraine (U-23): Yermakov, Krupskyi (Pavlyuk, 87'), Salyuk, Batahov, Martynyuk, Rubchynskyi, Shostak (Siheiev, 69'), Veleten (Kucheryavyi, 69'), Fedor (Yarmolyuk, 57'), Khlan, Sikan (c) (Krasnopir, 69')

Substitutes: Fesyuk, Drambayev, Synchuk

Coach: Ruslan Rotan

Japan (U-19): Araki, Umeki (Gomma, 61'), Shiokawa, Kita, Takagashi (Kosugi, 61'), Ogura (Ishii, 46'), Yasuda, Hiroyuki, Ozeki (c), Yukutomo (S. Kanda, 78'), Siogai (Michiwaki, 87')

Substitutes: Goto, Nakamura, H. Kanda, Gaiashi, Kofie, Kuvagara, Nakajima, Ozaki

Coach: Yuzo Funakoshi

Referee: Milagros Arrueela (Peru)

Yellow cards: Martynyuk (54') - Ogura (30')

June 10th. Aubagne. Stade De Lattre de Tassigny

Italy vs. Panama - 2:2 (1:2), pen. 4:1

Standings

Group Stage

Group A: Ivory Coast, Mexico, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, France.

Group B: Indonesia, Italy, Panama, Ukraine, Japan.

June 12, 2024

Japan vs. Panama (15:30)

Italy vs. Indonesia (19:15)

Playoffs

June 14, 2024

Match for 9th place (15:00)

Match for 7th place (19:00)

Match for 5th place (18:00)

June 16, 2024

Match for 3rd place (15:30)

Final (19:15)

All match times are in Kyiv time.