The Ukrainian national team ended its performance at Euro-24, despite one of the best matches of the tournament against Belgium. After an exciting first half and a dramatic second half, Serhii Rebrov's team failed to make it to the playoffs.
First half: courage and pressure
"It was the best half of the Ukrainians at the tournament," said one of the fans after the game. The team entered the field with an experimental scheme, which included two forwards - Roman Yaremchuk and Artem Dovbyk.
The absence of Mykhailo Mudryk and Oleksandr Zinchenko did not prevent Ukraine from demonstrating aggressive and inspired football. Yaremchuk and Dovbyk constantly pressed the opponents, and defenders Ilya Zabarny and Vitaly Mykolenko showed a reliable game against the attackers of Belgium.
Second half: pressure test
"Tedesco had a very powerful conversation with his players in the dressing room" - this is how one of the experts commented on the second half.
The Belgians took to the pitch with renewed energy, stepping up play down the left flank with Kevin de Bruyne and Jérémy Doku. The Ukrainian defense tried to contain the onslaught, but Mykolenko's injury and Zinchenko's departure increased the vulnerability on the flanks.
Key points and substitutions
Serhii Rebrov promptly responded to the situation, replacing Vladyslav Brazhko, who was unable to cope with the pressure of his opponents. However, the replacements did not bring the desired result. Dovbyk, left alone at the point of attack, was unable to realize several promising moments.
Conclusion: A decent performance, but a painful defeat
Despite many efforts, the match ended 0:0. This was the biggest disappointment for Ukrainian fans, because the team showed its best football at the tournament. However, as one fan noted:
"It is necessary to draw conclusions from mistakes and not repeat them again."
Ukraine leaves Euro-24, but this match will be remembered as an example of courage and inspiration. The team has a chance to show an even better result next time.
Editor: Vitalina Patskan
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