Renowned manager and expert Vyacheslav Zakhovaylo shared his thoughts on the Ukrainian national team’s crushing defeat by France (0:4) in yesterday’s 2026 World Cup qualifying match.
’Today we were, of course, handled quite thoroughly.
No one, among the experts, had any particular illusions — we just hoped to lose honorably.
Everyone is keeping in mind the crucial match against Iceland. Still, personally, I was pleased with both the lineup and the chosen structure. One way or another, due to a set of circumstances, this match turned into a full-fledged training session for the Ukrainian national team: energy was conserved, and the reserves were tested.
After the first half, there was still a glimmer of hope. But everything started with Mikhavko. A coincidence? I don’t think so.
The structure with three central defenders is quite a logical move by Serhiy Rebrov. In such a formation, you can indeed stand firm. But this is no longer about football as a game.
Just a congratulation to the magnificent French national team remains.
We hopefully await the battle with Iceland.
All the best. Glory to Ukraine!' wrote Zakhovaylo on his Facebook page.