Ukraine jumps Italy in Group C after thrilling away 3-1 away win vs Malta in EURO 2024 qualifier

Ukraine’s national football team jumped ahead of Italy into second place in Group C after a thrilling3-1 away win against Malta in the team’s penultimate EURO 2024 qualification match.

Paul Mbong's second goal of the qualifiers gave underdogs Malta a shock lead when he broke free from Matviienko and slotted between Trubin's legs.

Ukraine struggled to equalize, but fortune favored them with own goal from Ryan Camenzuli who slipped in a routine attempt to clear Sudakov’s weak shot from outside the penalty area.

The "blue and yellow" took the lead before the end of the first half when Artem Dovbyk scored the penalty following a foul on Mudryk. The Maltese goalkeeper guessed correctly but allowed the ball to slip underneath him.

Read also: Shakhtar legend slams Mudryk's outing for Ukraine, says wunderkind needs guidance

Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk scored his first national team goal after a thrilling late solo run followed by a spectacular long-range strike to secure the 3-1 win for Ukraine.

Ukrainian coach Serhiy Rebrov noted how difficult the match was and how Ukraine needs to improve its game.

"In the first half we created problems for ourselves, but we solved them in the second half," the former Dynamo Kyiv star said.

“We were losing [physical] battles, conceded a goal, but came back into the game. The match was very difficult. Everyone should understand that the result today was very important. I am grateful to the players for getting it. But we have to improve our game.”

"The opponents played great today," Rebrov said.

“As I said, the problem was with us, especially in the first half, where we were under pressure to score.

Ukraine’s final match will determine whether they qualify directly for EURO 2024 in Germany, or whether they will be forced to play in a playoff. The team will play at “home” in Leverkusen, Germany on Nov. 20.

Ukraine needs to win by two goals to qualify directly. If the team fails to secure the two-goal victory, the team will need some help to qualify for a EURO 2024 qualification playoff.

Serbia did Ukraine a favor by beating Montenegro 3-1 to nearly secure their own spot at EURO 2024. Should Serbia qualify directly, Ukraine will be assured of at least a playoff through the Nations League, even if they don’t manage the decisive victory against Italy.

Goals: P. Mbong, 12 — Camenzuli, 38 (OG), Dovbyk, 43 (pen.), Mudryk, 85

Tournament Standings

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