Well-known Ukrainian coach and now expert Oleg Fedorchuk evaluated the performance of Ukraine’s U-20 national team at the 2025 (U-20) World Cup and summed up the results of the tournament, which was won by Morocco.
Oleg Fedorchuk
— Comment on the words of the Ukrainian coach Dmytro Mykhailenko, who said that under certain circumstances our team could have made it to the final.
— I don’t think so, our guys performed to their potential. If they had beaten the Spaniards, it could have been said that they surpassed themselves. But on a five-point system, the Ukrainians didn’t even play at a 'four'.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t boast of a balanced squad. There were problems with the left flank of the defense, the midfield zone, and the attackers lacked aggression. Three made the difference: goalkeeper Krapivtsov, midfielders Krevsun, Sinchuk, which was clearly not enough to aim for the top. Moreover, Sinchuk couldn’t play with the Spaniards due to organizational mistakes. This was a serious loss.
Also, in fairness, it should be said that the Ukrainians landed in an easy group, and despite this, Mykhailenko’s team did not dominate any match. So, what final are we talking about?
— What impressed you most about the champions' play — Morocco?
— In football, there is a rule: when you have the ball, try to score, and when without the ball, try not to concede. The Moroccans adhered to this, pleasing with good execution and the ability to play according to the score. They weren’t afraid to give the initiative to the opponent and endured to achieve the desired result, demonstrating rational football. Also worth noting is the maximum motivation of the Moroccans, who fully understood that shining at the World Cup is a chance to sign a lucrative contract. They achieved their goal, particularly in the final, where their focus and good organization of play prevailed over the Argentines, who were considered favorites.
— In your opinion, were the final results of the championship fair?
— Yes, it was somewhat surprising that the Spaniards failed to rise above the quarter-finals. But it’s their fault as they didn’t come to Chile with their best team.
— Did you notice any tactical innovations at the championship?
— No, although there were representatives from almost all continents among the participants. Clearly, the time of short passes and boring ball plays is gone, most leading teams focused on intensity and precise actions in the transition phase. Their example — European giants PSG and Barcelona.
— What did you dislike?
— I didn’t notice any 'rising stars' among the participants who could be said to become big players soon. Secondly, I was unpleasantly surprised by the low attendance of the World Cup matches, by the way, it is not excluded that this was due to the hosts' poor performance.
— Perhaps it’s all because the teams did not come to Chile with their strongest squads since the championship did not take place during the international break set by FIFA, and therefore clubs did not release their young talents?
— It could be. Unfortunately, recently FIFA and UEFA have paid a lot of attention to the commercialization of tournaments held under their aegis. As you can see, this does not always pay off.
Maksym Kovalenko
