Ukraine was the biggest disappointment of the first week of Euro 2024. Excluding the most famous national teams, that of coach Rebrov is one of the strongest, if you look at the names. Yet it was swept away debut from Romania, which no one would have expected to see even win 3-0. A humiliating defeat that can be explained in many ways and which can also be traced back to the unique pressure placed on the shoulders of the Ukrainians. It’s not every day you face a European with the burden of having to do well to pay homage and comfort a people who have been at war for two years. Rebrov’s national team feels a bit on a mission, but apparently they have forgotten how to play football. Against Romania she was unable to create the rag of an opportunitydespite the presence of players of the caliber of Mudryk and Dovbyk.
There wasn’t a single thing that worked in the opening match, so much so that Rebrov was literally shown the door immediately afterwards. The players have in fact “invited” the coach to stay outside the changing rooms, so that they can discuss what happened on the pitch without filters. An initiative that is symptom of tense nerves and widespread discontent, perhaps even with some individual performances. Above all that of Lunin, who was the negative protagonist with two big errors that gave Romania as many goals, strongly directing the match. Then Rebrov presented himself to the microphones and was very critical of the team: «The players understood that it does not work this way. We are a great and strong national team that defends its country, but the players have not shown it.” And then on what we saw on the pitch: «We had possession of the ball but we didn’t create any chances. Nobody expected this result. We have a very serious game ahead of us. We need to talk to each other and we have to prepare for the next match».
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Today (3pm) the challenge with Slovakia it is already decisive: Ukraine has only one result available, victory, to get back into the running for the round of 16. We expect at least a reaction after the bad impression made with Romania, but Slovakia is an uncomfortable customer. Although the three months at the helm of Napoli were negative, Calzona is doing something historic in the national team. The 4-3-3 works wonderfully, with Slovakia surprisingly beating Belgium on their debut, even with a bit of luck. A victory against Ukraine would allow Calzona’s national team to put the qualification for the round of 16 in your pocketeven before the last group match against Romania.
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