The youth national team of Ukraine secured its first victory in five matches
The Ukrainian football team, composed of players under 21, played in Budapest against their Hungarian counterparts in a qualifying match for the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
RBC-Ukraine reports on the match with reference to the official UEFA website.
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EURO-2027 (U-21), qualification, Round 6
Hungary U-21 – Ukraine U-21 – 1:2
Goals: Denesh, 90+5 – Pyshchur, 26, Sinchuk, 69
Before the match
The “blue and yellow” approached the game in less than ideal condition. In their previous five matches, Unai Melgosa’s team managed to earn only five points, four of which came against the clear underdog Lithuania (from which they were expected to take six points). Another point was earned from a home draw against Hungary.
Before the match, Ukraine was in third place in the group standings, trailing Croatia by five points and Turkey by six. It is worth noting that the group winner receives a direct ticket to the Euro finals, and only one – the best – among all second-placed teams. However, second place offers a chance to qualify for the tournament through the playoffs.
How the game went in Budapest
The match was largely dictated by the Ukrainians, who had several opportunities to score even before halftime. Only one attempt was successful. In the 26th minute, Ilya Krupsky crossed into the penalty area from the right flank where the towering Alexander Pyshchur had no competition in the air and headed the ball accurately into the net. It is noteworthy that the forward plays in the Hungarian league for “Győr”.
After this moment, the Ukrainians continued to control the game, although they occasionally allowed dangerous counterattacks. Therefore, the hosts also had their chances, but our goalkeeper Ilya Popovich, who also plays in Hungary for “Kishvarda,” acted flawlessly. Thus, the Hungarian legionnaires of the “blue and yellow” became the main heroes of the first half.
The situation did not change drastically in the second half. There were moments that caused some anxiety, but the second goal resolved all questions. The author of the goal was Gennady Sinchuk from the Canadian “Montreal”: in the 69th minute, he scored with a precise shot after Daniil Krevsun intercepted the ball from the opponents.
Unfortunately, they could not finish the match without conceding a goal. The hosts managed to score a consolation goal in the dying moments of stoppage time. Ukraine’s victory – 2:1.
Tournament situation and upcoming matches
Thanks to the victory, Ukraine reduced the gap from the leaders – Turkey and Croatia, who are playing against each other today in Croatian Osijek. It is worth noting that our competitors have played fewer matches.
Standings:
- Turkey – 11 points (5 matches)
- Croatia – 10 (4)
- Ukraine – 8 (6)
- Hungary – 3 (4)
- Lithuania – 2 (6)
The final stage of the qualification for the 2027 European Championship will take place in September and October 2026. In the last two matches, the “blue and yellow” will face the leaders – the national teams of Turkey (September 26) and Croatia (October 2). It is in these matches that the fate of the tickets to Euro-2027 will be determined.
Earlier, we reported who among the leaders will not help the national team of Ukraine in the match against Albania.
