There were two Shakhtar players in the starting line-up of the Ukrainians: a defender Mykola Matvienko and a midfielder Taras Stepanenko.
The hosts started the match more actively, created several dangerous moments and naturally scored first: Schultz scored in the 21st minute. After conceding a goal, “Blue and Yellow” seized the initiative and already had several good opportunities themselves (for example, Zabarny hit the crossbar from Mudryk’s cross). In the end, Serhiy Rebrov‘s wards managed to equalize in the 37th minute: Shaparenko passed from the left flank into the goalkeeper’s area, and Vanat hit the ball with his head – 1:1. But in the time compensated for the first half, the Czechs took the lead again – Schultz scored from the penalty area.
From the start of the second half of the match, the Ukrainians spent almost the entire time on the other side of the field, trying to find opportunities near the opponent’s goal. Vanat and Mudryk had good chances, but both missed the target from favorable positions. At the 69th minute, another “miner” Georgy Sudakov appeared on the field, who, however, immediately received a yellow card for a challenge from the opponent. In the 80th minute, in one of the few counterattacks, the Czech Republic scored a penalty, which was converted by Soucek. However, in the 84th minute, Ukraine reduced the deficit to a minimum again: Tsygankov scored with a header from the crossbar Sudakov. Pikhalyonok and Sudakov had opportunities to save the draw, but in both moments the goalkeeper saved the Czechs. 2:3 – the second defeat of the Ukrainian team.
The next matches of the UEFA Nations League will be played by the national team of Ukraine October 11 and 14 against Georgia and of the Czech Republic.
– What were the key moments in the friendly match between Ukraine and the Czech Republic?
Table of Contents
Ukraine National Team Falls Short Against Czech Republic in Friendly Match
The Ukraine national team faced off against the Czech Republic in a friendly match, with two Shakhtar Donetsk players, Mykola Matvienko and Taras Stepanenko, starting in the lineup. Despite a valiant effort, Ukraine ultimately fell short, losing 2-1 to their European opponents.
Early Pressure and Concession
The Czech Republic started the match on the front foot, creating several scoring opportunities and taking the lead in the 21st minute through a goal from Schultz. Ukraine struggled to find their footing in the early stages, but eventually began to gain traction after conceding the goal.
Ukraine Fights Back
Seizing the initiative, Ukraine’s “Blue and Yellow” started to create chances of their own, with Zabarny striking the crossbar from a Mudryk cross. Their persistence paid off in the 37th minute, as Shaparenko’s pass from the left flank found Vanat, who headed the ball into the net to level the score at 1-1.
Czech Republic Regains Lead
However, Ukraine’s joy was short-lived, as the Czech Republic scored again in added time at the end of the first half. Schultz notched his second goal of the match, putting his team ahead 2-1 going into the break.
Ukraine Dominates Second Half
The Ukrainians dominated possession in the second half, spending most of the time in the Czech Republic’s half of the field. Vanat and Mudryk both had golden opportunities to score, but failed to capitalize, missing the target from favorable positions.
Shakhtar’s Sudakov Enters the Fray
In the 69th minute, Shakhtar Donetsk’s Georgy Sudakov entered the match, becoming the third “miner” to feature in the game. However, his debut was marred by a yellow card, which he received for a challenge on an opponent just minutes after coming on.
Late Chances Go Unconverted
Ukraine continued to push for an equalizer, but were ultimately unable to convert their chances. Despite their best efforts, the match ended 2-1 in favor of the Czech Republic.
Takeaways from the Match
While the result was disappointing, Ukraine can take heart from their dominant second-half performance. The team’s ability to create scoring opportunities and push their opponents back will be encouraging for coach Serhiy Rebrov, who will look to build on this display in future matches.
Key Players
Mykola Matvienko: The Shakhtar Donetsk defender started in the lineup and put in a solid shift at the back for Ukraine.
Taras Stepanenko: The midfielder was also in the starting lineup, providing experience and stability in the Ukrainian midfield.
Vanat: The forward scored Ukraine’s only goal of the match, heading in from a Shaparenko cross.
Mudryk: The winger was involved in several scoring opportunities, but ultimately failed to find the back of the net.
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Ukraine National Team Falls Short Against Czech Republic in Friendly Match
The Ukraine national team faced off against the Czech Republic in a friendly match, with two Shakhtar Donetsk players, Mykola Matvienko and Taras Stepanenko, starting in the lineup. Despite a valiant effort, Ukraine ultimately fell short, losing 2-1 to their European opponents.
Early Pressure and Concession
The Czech Republic started the match on the front foot, creating several scoring opportunities and taking the lead in the 21st minute through a goal from Schultz. Ukraine struggled to find their footing in the early stages, but eventually began to gain traction after conceding the goal.
Ukraine Fights Back
Seizing the initiative, Ukraine’s “Blue and Yellow” started to create chances of their own, with Zabarny striking the crossbar from a Mudryk cross. Their persistence paid off in the 37th minute, as Shaparenko’s pass from the left flank found Vanat, who headed the ball into the net to level the score at 1-1.
Czech Republic Regains Lead
However, Ukraine’s joy was short-lived, as the Czech Republic scored again in added time at the end of the first half. Schultz notched his second goal of the match, putting his team ahead 2-1 going into the break.
Ukraine Dominates Second Half
The Ukrainians dominated possession in the second half, spending most of the time in the Czech Republic’s half of the field. Vanat and Mudryk both had golden opportunities to score, but failed to capitalize, missing the target from favorable positions.
Shakhtar’s Sudakov Enters the Fray
In the 69th minute, Shakhtar Donetsk’s Georgy Sudakov entered the match, becoming the third “miner” to feature in the game. However, his debut was marred by a yellow card, which he received for a challenge on an opponent just minutes after coming on.
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