Photo: EPA
Ukrainian players conceded four goals.
Ukraine national team players Taras Mykhavko and Yehor Nazaryna commented on their defeat against France in the 2026 World Cup qualifying match.
“Yes, I think the first half went well for us. The opponent barely had any chances, only one shot. We were covering the zones, and I think that was the game plan. We executed it successfully in the first half. The first half ended 0-0. In the second half, the penalty kind of broke us a bit—we opened up, spaces appeared, and that’s why we conceded more. Unfortunately, we lost, but our most important game is still ahead,” Nazaryna said.
Mykhavko focused on the penalty incident:
“Everything happened very quickly. I felt contact with the ball, but I also felt contact with the foot. I won’t hide it. I’ll watch the replay and maybe analyze the moment. If it was a penalty, then I was wrong. But I repeat: it’s football, these situations happen. We have an important match ahead, so we’re preparing and looking forward to it,” Taras said.
Ukraine lost to France 0-4 in Paris.
The Ukrainian team will play their decisive qualifying match against Iceland on November 16 in Warsaw. Only a victory will secure a playoff spot for Serhiy Rebrov’s team. Meanwhile, France’s win guarantees them first place in Group D and qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
