Ukraine lost to the French national team 0−4 and even lost mathematical chances of taking first place in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Now Serhiy Rebrov’s team must beat Iceland to secure second place and attempt to qualify for the World Cup through the playoffs.
The French note Ukraine’s predictable plan to play for a 0—0 draw, but are surprised that Serhiy Rebrov’s team didn’t even try to attack and attempt to win, even though they still had chances for first place.
Such football is called cowardly by the French, who point out that it was the easiest match for them in the qualifying tournament, mocking Ukraine’s thinking of defense rather than attack even after conceiving the second and third goals. And five defenders and three midfielders didn’t help the Ukrainians play reliably in defense, instead «helping» not to make a single shot on goal.
Jean-Luc: It felt like not the Ukrainian national team but an amateur team took the field. Ukraine was afraid to even raise its head — no brave passes forward. It was truly not football but fear materialized on the field. Why did they even come to Paris?
Perrin: It seemed Ukraine came to the field not to play, but just to endure. Five defenders and three midfielders — that’s not a strategy, that’s capitulation. It’s hard to understand the logic of the Ukrainian coach. Icelanders acted much more bravely, such teams deserve respect unlike Ukraine.
Lefevre: It seemed like the Ukrainians were scared to cross the midfield today. France calmly controlled the game, and the opponent just stood there watching our players. In the first half, we played at a calm pace, but we could still score. As soon as we switched to the second gear, Ukraine crumbled.
Didier: I don’t understand why you would field such a lineup if you need to win. A lone forward without support — it’s a joke. It’s like buying a bicycle where only the hand brake works, and it can’t move forward.
Bordeaux: This wasn’t a national team, but a bus from Kyiv. Real «bus football»! Even more parked than when Azerbaijan came to us. Those guys wanted to score but couldn’t due to low quality, while the Ukrainians didn’t even want to score today.
Roux: Even at 0−3, Ukraine didn’t try to attack. It seemed they didn’t care how many goals they would concede; they were already thinking about the next match with Iceland. I consider it a disgrace. The utmost form of disrespect to their fans, who were numerous in the stands in Paris.
Girard: Five defenders, three midfielders — and still four goals conceded. That’s not defense, that’s a misunderstanding. They looked like they came to ask for autographs from Mbappe.
Marseille: It felt like the Ukrainian coach was simply scared of the French. I haven’t seen such timid play even from Malta. It seemed like the Ukrainians had already decided beforehand they would lose and just didn’t want to disgrace themselves too much, but they even failed at that, ending up conceding four goals.
Dujardin: Zero shots on target for the entire match — it’s a disgrace for a team vying for the World Cup. Didn’t they understand a draw wouldn’t benefit them? Or did they believe Azerbaijan would thrash France in the last round?
Morel: They didn’t even press! They just stood and waited for the match to end, the final whistle. The French played for their pleasure today and didn’t even sweat, as the opponent didn’t get in the way.
Franck Lebon: It seemed Ukraine came to play a friendly match, where it doesn’t matter who wins. Even our training sessions look more intense than their attempts to attack. After the second goal, the Ukrainians just ceased to exist.
Amcel: I haven’t seen such cowardly football for a long time. Even small teams play more bravely. I would call this defeat shameful not because of the score, but because of the spirit. It’s one thing when you represent Andorra and play poorly, another thing when you represent Ukraine. Especially now, when there is a war in your country. Probably, Ukrainian players don’t quite understand they represent their country.
Pierre: After Ukraine, it seems like Iceland is like «Barcelona». There, players at least attack and shoot on goal! Icelanders always play with character. Ukraine plays cowardly.
Fontaine: It was harder with Iceland: they run, press, take risks. Ukraine is passive and just waits for something in their penalty area, while Iceland can fight. The difference is huge. Even if Iceland loses, they fight. Ukraine just gives up.
Dumas: It was clear the Ukrainians were afraid to concede, yet the result was still four goals. They boxed themselves into defense without a chance for a counterattack. France could play at half-speed, as the opponent didn’t create pressure.
Nicolas: I’m sure Iceland will beat this Ukraine without problems. Iceland is a simple but brave team. Ukrainians are cautious and helpless. If Ukraine played even half as bravely, they would have had a chance.
Bernard: The whole team behind the ball line. It’s anti-play, not a strategy. No attempts at creativity, no risks — just boredom. I think the Ukrainian coach was just scared of defeat and ended up getting a thrashing.
Roche: After every conceded goal, Ukraine just dropped their heads and continued standing in their penalty area. France played with themselves, and Ukraine only stood on the field. It was a parody of defensive football with no attack, no character, no sense.
Cartoon: From all appearances, Serhiy Rebrov told his team: «The main thing is not to concede a goal today». Well... they almost managed to do it if you don’t count four times.
Henri: It seems their objective was just not to lose, but even that didn’t work. It looked like the Ukrainians didn’t even know why they were there and what the coaching staff wanted from them.
Roussel: Football without offense is not football. Ukraine showed today how not to play.
LeRire: Ukraine parked the bus but without a driver. I don’t know what the Ukrainian coaching staff’s plan was, but it clearly didn’t work. It seemed Ukrainians thought the goal was a quarantine zone. That’s why they couldn’t approach any closer than 30 meters!
Pierre: France played football, Ukraine played hide-and-seek. All of Ukraine stood in defense today. Five defenders, three midfielders... I think Ukrainians could’ve fielded two goalkeepers if the rules allowed.
Ligue1: I think Ukraine’s plan was simple: if you don’t touch the ball, there will be no mistakes. After the match, the Ukrainian coach told his team: «The plan worked because the score could have been worse».
Grarot: France played against Ukraine, but it seemed like they were up against cones in training, especially after the break. France scored four goals, and could’ve scored eight if it weren’t for pity for the opponent.
Rire: Ukraine decided the best way not to lose was just not to play. France struck at the goal more often than Ukraine touched the ball. Judging by the lineup, Ukraine played with an SOS scheme.
LeFou: France scored four but could have ten — just conscience didn’t allow it. I would say: «Today France aimed at the Ukrainian goals. And Ukraine only targeted the nerves of its fans.» Probably, this was the best away support at our stadium among all the national matches I’ve seen lately. It was sad to look at their faces after the final whistle. I think these people deserved a little respect from their team.
Orest Petruskiv
