In the first half, blue-and-yellow relied on quick attacks, counting on the scoring abilities of Matviy Ponomarenko. The center forward was the most noticeable player in our team during the first period: after a foul on him, the Spaniards received their only penalty kick of the half.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

The opponent had more possession, and the most active player in their lineup was Pablo Garcia. Once he dangerously headed the ball from the goalkeeper's line, and later forced Krapivtsov to react with a shot from 16 meters.

Midway through the half, the Spaniards earned a corner kick on the right flank, which proved to be decisive. The set piece ended with Mendosa passing to Pablo Garcia, who was allowed to shoot from the goalkeeper's line.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

Almost immediately, the Ukrainians could have equalized, but after a flank pass from the left, Ponomarenko failed to reach the ball. Before halftime, Matviy had another chance: after Krevsun's free kick, the forward headed the ball into the far corner — just next to the post.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

After halftime, Ukraine stepped up — increased the pace, shifted play to the Spaniards' half and started threatening their goal more frequently. After one of the shots, the ball ricocheted off a defender and flew over the crossbar. Later, Husev finished a set piece with a shot into the far corner — again close to the post.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

The final minutes were very emotional. The blue-and-yellow attacked almost with the entire team, but Pishchyur lacked just a bit to score from a turn-around shot. In summary — 0:1, Ukraine narrowly loses to Spain and concludes their battle at the World Championship in Chile.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

WC-2025 (U-20). Round of 16

Ukraine (U-20) — Spain (U-20) — 0:1 (0:1)

Goal: Pablo Garcia (24).

Ukraine (U-20): Krapivtsov, Husev, Melnychenko, Kysil, Katrych, Shakh (Shevchenko, 65), Vashchenko (Budko, 81), Krevsun, Deryach (Dytyar, 89), Karman (Panchenko, 81), Ponomarenko (Pishchyur, 46).

Coach: Dmitro Mykhaylenko.

Spain (U-20): Gonzalez, Diaz, Kuenca (Cortes, 59), Fortea (Canales, 77), Merino, Belaid (Navarro, 77), Mendosa, Pitarch, Bravo, Pablo Garcia, Virgili (Mella, 59).

Coach: Paco Galarardo.

Yellow cards: Husev (90+3) — Kuenca (12), Bravo (74).

Referee: Djalal Djayed (Morocco).

October 7. Vina del Mar. Elias Figueroa Branden Stadium.

Ukraine's Path to WC-2025 (U-20)

September 27, 2025. South Korea — Ukraine — 1:2

September 30, 2025. Panama — Ukraine — 1:1

October 3, 2025. Ukraine — Paraguay — 2:1

October 7, 2025. Ukraine — Spain — 0:1