The fateful 71st minute: this episode involving Trubin dashed the hopes of Ukrainians
The Ukrainian national team has ended its fight for a direct spot in the 2026 World Cup, losing to Sweden in the semifinals of the mini-tournament with a score of 1:3. Despite being nominal hosts in Valencia, the “blue and yellows” could not withstand the pressure from the Scandinavians.
RBC-Ukraine reports this, citing the match broadcast on MEGOGO.
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Personnel losses and an early conceded goal
The start of the match in Spain was unfortunate for Sergey Rebrov’s team.
Due to suspensions, Ruslan Malinovsky and Yefim Konoplya could not help the national team, while debutant Boris Krushinsky missed the game due to injury.
Already in the 7th minute, Sweden took the lead. Viktor Dyoekerysh successfully capitalized on a pass from Benjamin Nygren and scored from close range.
The first half of the match was dominated by the guests, while Ukraine failed to hit the target even once.
The most dangerous moment near the Swedish goal came after Mykolenko’s cross, when Isak Gyn nearly deflected the ball into his own net.
Dyoekerysh’s hat-trick and Ponomarenko’s consolation goal
The second half began with saves from Anatoliy Trubin, who rescued the team after a shot from Carl Starfelt.
However, soon a counterattack from the Swedes ended with Dyoekerysh scoring his second goal with a precise shot into the far corner.
Subsequently, the Arsenal forward completed his hat-trick by converting a penalty. The spot-kick was awarded for a foul by Trubin, who attempted to stop the forward’s breakthrough after an interception in midfield.
The only positive moment for Ukrainian fans occurred at the end of the match.
In added time, Matviy Ponomarenko, who debuted for the national team, scored with a header, breaking the deadlock.
Poland awaits the Swedes, Ukraine will play against Albania
Meanwhile, in Warsaw, the opponent for the Swedish national team in the playoff final was determined.
The Polish national team achieved a comeback victory over Albania – 2:1. The Albanians scored first through Arber Hoxha, but in the second half, the Poles turned the game around thanks to goals from Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zielinski.
Sebastian Szymanski recorded two assists in the match.
Now, on March 31, Poland and Sweden will compete for a direct spot in the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Meanwhile, Sergey Rebrov’s team will play a friendly match against the Albanian national team on the same day.
Recall that the final stage of the 2026 World Cup will feature 48 national teams for the first time in history. The tournament will begin on June 11, 2026.
Earlier, we reported that the Ukrainian national team presented a new kit ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
