Ukraine have made their way to Germany via the qualification play-offs, beating Bosnia & Herzegovina and then Iceland in March to make it through to only their fourth European Championships since its inception in 1958.
The Blue and Yellows will feature in Group E, alongside Slovakia, Belgium and the team they will kick their campaign off against on the 17th of June, Romania.
Political fears and unrest has certainly overshadowed what an incredible country Ukraine really is, with this being a chance to showcase to the world that they won't let this stop them.
The Head Coach: Serhiy Rebrov
Many Premier League fans may have fond memories of Serhiy Rebrov from his playing days, with the former striker featuring 60 times for Tottenham Hotspur at the start of the century, followed by a short spell at West Ham in 2004.
Rebrov’s first managerial role came at Dynamo Kiev in 2014, where he lifted the Ukrainian Premier League twice. The 49-year-old then went on to Ferencvaros, competing in Hungary’s topflight where he won the three-peat. Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates was Rebrov’s last role in club management before becoming the head coach of his home nation in June 2023.
Since his appointment, Ukraine have lost just once in ten matches, losing by a single goal to Italy in September.
A huge factor in the former striker’s success so far in international football is his methodological approach. Rebrov favours a 4-2-3-1 formation and will tailor their offensive style to their opponents. However, they have shown strength in possession and will look to play out from the back as often as they can.
A regular pattern while in possession sees holding midfielder Volodymer Brazhko step back in between the centre backs to form a three. This allows the full backs to push high and interchange with the wingers to add a sense of unpredictability to their attack.
Ukraine are considered defensively sound, conceding just eight goals in their qualifying group, with a compact back four being key to success so far in Rebrov’s tenure. In leading positions, Rebrov will not hesitate to deploy a back five and sit deep. However, Ukraine are patient and pick their moments to press from midfield, with there being no usual rush to win the ball back.
Rebrov will be hoping for more of the same from his players in a group where Ukraine are expected to progress, with the former Spurs striker saying that his main aim is to "bring happiness to the people of Ukraine," - a comment that is by no means unattainable.
The Road to Germany: The Qualification Success
Ukraine were placed in a difficult qualifying group consisting of both Euro 2020’s finalists, England and Italy, with their only two defeats coming both away from home in London and Milan. However, Rebrov’s side picked up draws against both European giants in the return fixtures. Ukraine won the other four matches, beating Malta and North Macedonia twice and finishing joint with Italy on 14 points, but the Italians secured automatic qualification due to head-to-head success.
Bosnia & Herzegovina were on course to send Ukraine’s Euro hopes crashing down as they were leading in Zenica up until the 85th minute. Roman Yaremchuk, who had just been substituted onto the pitch four minutes prior, came up with the equaliser. Three minutes later, Yaremchuk’s pinpoint cross was headed home by Artem Dovbyk, completing a quick-fire comeback to progress to the qualification final.
In Wroclaw, Poland, Ukraine overcame great adversity following a first half Icelandic goal, as well as VAR stripping Yaremchuk of yet another equaliser. Viktor Tsyhankov scored early after the interval to install some hope of another comeback. Ukraine left it late again, as Mykhailo Mudryk’s strike in the 84th minute secured their place in Group E.
Artem Dovbyk: The player to watch
Ukraine are spoilt for stars in the modern era, possessing the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk, Victor Tsyhankov and Olexsandr Zinchenko. However, it his hard to look past the talisman Artem Dovbyk after immersing himself onto the world stage during the 2023/2024 season.
The striker stands at 6'2 and is a physical presence. His stature complements his movement, often exploiting space, outrunning and out-muscling defenders. The striker uses his height well and has a reputation of being an aerial threat. But most importantly, Dovbyk has a keen eye for goal and has a renowned reputation for his sharp shooting ability, often being compared to the talismanic Andriy Shevchenko.
Dovbyk comes into the tournament in red hot form, winning the Pichichi trophy (top goal scorer in La Liga) in his first season playing Spanish football for Girona. The striker netted 24 times in his debut season and is the first player to win the award who has not represented Barcelona or Real Madrid in 15 years.
Predicted Line-Up
Ukraine play with a 4-2-3-1 formation but will alternate to a 4-4-1-1 or 4-1-4-1 depending on the opposition and the patterns of play.
Lunin; Mykolenko, Matviyenko, Zabarnyi, Konoplya; Zinchenko, Brazhko, Mudryk, Sukadov, Tsyhankov; Dovbyk
The Group
As previously mentioned, Ukraine will fancy their chances of making it out of the group, with the likes of Slovakia and Romania very much beatable. Belgium will be the toughest team within Group E, but with their 'Golden Generation' coming to an end, it is all up for grabs.
- Romania vs Ukraine, 17th June (2pm) - BBC ONE
- Slovakia vs Ukraine, 21st June (2pm) - BBC ONE
- Ukraine vs Belgium, 26th June (5pm) - TBD
Prediction
Ukraine come into the tournament full of confidence and with the desire of puting a rare smile on Ukrainian faces.
Group E certainly withholds a lot of talent, but Ukraine are favourites to progress into the knockout rounds, ahead of Slovakia and Romania. Belgium are expected to be Group E victors, however after disappointing in Qatar and with many key players retiring, do not be surprised if the Red Devils fall short once again.
