How Ukraine's football team won test match ahead of crucial qualifier

Serhiy Rebrov's team continues to prepare for the main match of the year — playing against Italy in the Euro 2024 qualifiers on Nov. 20.

The national football team of Ukraine held an important game in preparation for the match against the Italian national team. On the evening of Nov. 16, Rebrov's players held a closed sparring match with Lechia Gdansk (2-0) at the local stadium. The coaching staff managed to experiment and use the maximum number of players on the football field. The captain's armband was worn by three players during the game – Serhiy Sydorchuk, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Taras Stepanenko.

The starting Ukrainian lineup looks as follows: Riznyk (Bushchan, 30), Karavayev, Bondar, Matviyenko, Taloverov, Dubinchak, Sydorchuk (c), Malinovsky, Pikhalionok (Nazaryna, 30), Zubkov, Yaremchuk (Sikan, 30).

Read also: Ukrainian national team footballer assesses squad issues ahead of crucial Euro 2024 qualifiers

Three Ukrainians who play for Polish Lechia featured against the Ukrainian national team. They were goalkeeper Bohdan Sarnavskyi and midfielders Ivan Zhelizko and Maksym Khlan.

After the first half, the Ukrainian national team led 1-0. Oleksandr Pikhalionok headed the ball into the empty net after the opposing goalkeeper had deflected the ball in front of him following a shot by Serhiy Sydorchuk. Thus, the national team took the lead.

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

For the second half of the match, Rebrov tried out new players: Bushchan (Trubin, 60), Mykolenko, Zabarnyi, Svatok, Tymchyk, Nazaryna (Stepanenko, 60), Zinchenko (c), Sudakov, Mudryk, Tsyhankov, Sikan (Dovbyk, 60).

At the beginning of the second half, Rebrov's team scored its second goal. After an assist from Oleksandr Tymchyk, Yehor Nazaryna found the corner of the opponent’s goal, with no chance for the goalkeeper. 2-0.

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

As a result, the Ukrainian national team confidently defeated the Polish opponent. Now the national side continues its preparations for the key match against Italy.

We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine