Ukraine and Czech Republic Share Points in Tough UEFA Nations League Encounter

The Ukrainian National Team couldn't secure victory over the Czech Republic in a challenging UEFA Nations League match, ending 1-1.

The "Ukrainian National Team" failed to secure all possible points in the October matches of the UEFA Nations League. After a narrow 1-0 victory over Georgia, they drew with the "Czech Republic" 1:1.

Similar to previous matches, this one proved difficult. Considering the tournament position and the state of the Ukrainian squad, easy matches are unlikely to come. The opening phase of the match in Wroclaw was dominated by the Czechs, proficiently organizing the press. The tactics of the Czechs were not a surprise for the Ukrainians, yet Sergey Rebrov's squad couldn't find an antidote: the ball inevitably ended up with their opponents.

Looking at the chronology, an attack by "Ukraine" on the fifth minute could have led to a goal. Mudryk broke through on the left flank, passing to Shaparenko, who shot from the center of the penalty area unopposed, yet the ball went over the bar. During the first 18 minutes, an unfortunate incident occurred. After a corner from the right flank, a header by Konoplya landed perfectly for Cherv, who shot accurately into the corner, opening the score 0:1. In this moment, Hutsulyak was injured after a clash with an opponent, forced to leave the field on a stretcher and was then taken to a hospital.

After the 30th minute, "Ukraine" became more aggressive in attack, but the Czechs managed to maintain the pressure near the Ukrainian penalty area. Before halftime, Vitik momentarily celebrated a goal, but it was ruled out for offside.

In the second half, Rebrov's team managed to equalize. It seemed Konoplya lost control, but Krejci handled the ball in his penalty area. VAR double-checked (likely multiple times) and confirmed the penalty. Artem Dovbyk calmly scored his 11th goal for the national team, leveling the score at 53 minutes.

This goal added excitement to the game. The final score of 1:1 largely suited the Czechs, who will finish October atop the standings. "Ukraine", retaining their position at the fourth spot, continues the fight to remain in the Nations League.

In November, the Ukrainians await away fixtures: on the 16th in Georgia and on the 19th in Albania.

"Ukraine" — "Czech Republic" 1:1 (0:1). Goals: Cherv L., 18 (0:1); Dovbyk, 53 (penalty) (1:1). "Ukraine": Trubin; Zabarnyi; Konoplya (Tymchyk, 80); Matviyenko N.; Taloverov; Stepanenko (Kalyuzhnyi I., 64); Sudakov; Mudryk; Hutsulyak (Zubkov, 22); Dovbyk (Yaremchuk, 80); Shaparenko (Kryskyi, 64). Substitutes: Buschan; Svatok; Buyalskyi; Mykhaylichenko B.; Nazarenko Al-r. Warnings: Kryskyi 75. "Czech Republic": Kovar M.; Borzil (Zmrzly, 70); Vitik; Coufal; Krejci L. II.; Provod (Hlozek, 58); Soucek; Cherv L.; Schulz P. (Kuchta, 91); Cerny V. (Lingr, 58); Hory (Kliment, 70). Substitutes: Jedlicka; Kinski; Granach; Kral; Kalvach; Kushei; Cvanchara. Warnings: Hory 64; Kliment 93; Lingr 94.