Euro Espoirs quarter-final:
Cluj Arena (Romania).
France Espoirs – Ukraine Espoirs: 1 to 3.
Goals: Cherki (19th) for France U21; Sudakov (32nd from penalty, 44th) and Bondarenko (86th) for Ukraine U21.
Eager to go as far as possible in this Euro Espoirs, the France team fell on stronger than it against Ukraine this Sunday evening from the quarter-finals (1-3).
Following a well-conducted group stage, France got their quarter-final off to a perfect start. On a center back from Barcola, Cherki effectively opened the scoring with a classy gesture with a feint strike and a powerful shot from the left (1-0 in the 19th). A short-lived advantage, as Ukraine quickly returned to the game from the penalty spot. Due to a not-so-obvious foul by Kalulu on Mudryk, Sudakov tied the two teams by beating Chevalier on the wrong foot (1-1 in the 32nd minute). After a French reaction and a post from Barcola (38th), Ukraine once again made its realism speak through Sudakov, who planted a double just before the break (1-2 in the 44th).
🔚 End of EURO U21 2023 for our Bleuets who lost in the quarter-final against Ukraine.#FRAUKR | #EuroHopes pic.twitter.com/UYqzsLTnA1
— French team ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) July 2, 2023
In the second period, France took time to revolt. Wahi thought of equalizing at the end of the match, but his goal was finally refused by the VAR for an offside (81st)… A fatal emotional lift for France, knowing that Bondarenko ended up making the break at the end of an action high class (1-3 in the 86th). Despite a very good generation, the Blueberries of Sylvain Ripoll therefore leave the Euro Espoirs by the very small door. Next week, the semi-finals will oppose Ukraine to Spain, and Israel to England.
