On September 9th, a match took place in Wroclaw for the first round of qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, featuring the teams of Ukraine and France. After several unsuccessful performances in the Nations League, coach Serhiy Rebrov emphasized that the main goal is qualifying for the World Cup. And now it was time for the decisive test — World Cup qualifying. The first opponent was the star-studded team of France.
UKRAINE — FRANCE — 0:2
Ukraine: Trubin, Konoplya, Zabarnyi, Matvienko (c), Zinchenko (Voloshyn, 87), Kaliuzhny, Zubkov (Nazarenko, 76), Yarmolyuk (Ocheretko, 82), Sudakov (Bondarenko, 82), Hutsulyak, Dovbyk (Vanat, 76).
Head Coach: Serhiy Rebrov.
France: Maignan, Kounde, Konate (Gusto, 90+2), Upamecano, Digne, Kone, Tchouameni, Barcola (Rabiot, 76), Olise (Akliush, 90+2), Due (Dembele, 46, Ekitike, 81), Mbappe.
Head Coach: Didier Deschamps.
Goals: Olise (10), Mbappe (82).
The Ukrainians aimed to play organized defense, but unfortunately, their lines broke down quickly, leading to them conceding a goal. In the tenth minute, Barcola went down the left flank, outsmarting Konoplya, and passed the ball to Michael Olise for a strike. Sudakov covered the French player, but Olise managed to find space, open up, and score — 0:1.
In the first half, Ukraine created no dangerous chances. In contrast, the French had several opportunities to score, but excellent play by Anatoliy Trubin saved Ukraine from a more significant loss. The goalkeeper was the only one without any questions about his performance.
In the second half, Ukraine began to attack more and had chances to equalize. Serhiy Rebrov changed the positions of wingers Hutsulyak and Zubkov. In the 65th minute, Artem Dovbyk headed the ball after a cross from Zinchenko, but Konate cleared it off the line.
In the 66th minute, after a free-kick and a goalkeeper's save, Ivan Kaliuzhny attempted a dangerous follow-up, while Illya Zabarnyi tried to nudge the ball into the net. Ultimately, the ball hit the post but did not cross the line.
In the 82nd minute, the French scored their second goal. Kylian Mbappe received a long pass, outran Zabarnyi, and outplayed Trubin — 0:2. Now it was definitely a defeat.
On Tuesday, September 9th, Serhiy Rebrov's team will face Azerbaijan.
