Ukraine’s national team defeats France in the World Cup qualifiers
14 November 03:00
The national team of Ukraine played its fifth qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup, meeting the current vice-champions of the world, France, in Paris. Despite a steady first half and focused defense, the Blue and Yellows were defeated with a crushing score of 4-0. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the UAF.
Rebrov’s tactics and a tense first half
Compared to the match against Azerbaijan (2:1) a month ago, Serhiy Rebrov made six changes to the starting lineup at once. The head coach chose a more defensive model of play, with a five-defender formation, in an attempt to contain the French attacking power.
France expectedly controlled the ball and created chances, but the Ukrainians kept a tight block and did not allow the opponent to get dangerously close to the goal.
In the 17th minute, Kylian Mbappe shot from outside the penalty area – Trubin pulled the ball out of the bottom corner. In the final minutes of the half, Barcola could have opened the scoring, but after a ricochet from Trubin’s hands, the ball hit the post.
Despite 10 shots by the French to Ukraine’s zero, the first half ended without a goal.
A mistake in the penalty area and a failed second half
At the beginning of the second half, a key episode occurred: Mykhavko carelessly stepped on Oliseh’s foot in the penalty area, and the referee awarded a penalty kick.
Mbappe coolly converted the 11-meter penalty, beating Trubin with a shot in the center.
After that, the French completely seized the initiative.
Trubin saved the team several more times after Mbappe’s shots and Akliush’s moment.
Ekitike hit the post, in the 76th minute Oliseh doubled the score after an interception near the penalty area, and Mbappe made a double, finishing the ball after another Trubin save.
In the 88th minute, Yugo Ekitike put an end to the game – 4: 0.
Tournament position and the decisive match
After five rounds, Ukraine has 7 points and is third in the group.
The next match is on November 16 in Warsaw against Iceland. The match starts at 19:00 Kyiv time.
Serhiy Rebrov’s team needs only a victory to qualify for the playoffs.
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