Ukraine coach Serhiy Rebrov was left ruing his team’s shocking start to Euro 2024 after a determined performance and a show of indomitable spirit in their draw with Belgium on Wednesday proved insufficient to get them through to the next round.
Ukraine had countless chances to score and never gave up, but the 0-0 draw saw them end at the bottom of a Group E that had been on a knife edge, eliminated by goal difference despite having four points — the same number as Belgium, Slovakia and Romania, who all advanced.
For Ukraine, though, competing at a major tournament in a time of war was their biggest victory, Rebrov said.
“We showed the character of our nation. We are nearly 900 days in the war and I think today was very important to show the people in Europe, to show our people in Ukraine, that we are still fighting,” Rebrov said. “This is very important for us to be represented here.
“We didn’t do well first game, but you know in life you make some mistakes and then it’s very important how you react. I think we reacted well.”
In the end, Ukraine’s 3-0 defeat in their opening match to group winners Romania, and a failure to wake up after the first goal went in, had them playing catchup from the outset, according to Rebrov.
“Everybody saw that we were trying to win this game, we were trying to create certain moments, there were enough interesting moments,” he said. “But we were playing against one of the top teams so it was very tough, unfortunately, we did not use the opportunities.”
Rebrov expressed pride at the way his players responded in their 2-1 win against Slovakia and against a Belgium side on Wednesday packed with big-name talent.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also shared messages of pride and support for his country’s national team, writing in an online post after the game: “A strong nation is one that stays united and supports each other at all times, both in defeat and in victory.
“Today, we thank Ukraine’s National Football Team. Despite the unfortunate result, they fought for our country. Our great victories are ahead.”
Ukraine carved out a succession of opportunities in the first half against Belgium and battled to the end, missing chances in the dying seconds. The players were devastated at the final whistle, and at a loss for words as fans held their heads in their hands wondering what could have been.
The team lined up before their supporters in a stand full of fluttering flags, raising their hands above their heads in choreographed applause.
“I saw the players, they unfortunately don’t have emotions anymore,” Rebrov said. “We have a very young national team and I can see that they are optimistic about the future. Unfortunately, today we need to live through this day and tomorrow we need to start working again.”
Information from The Associated Press and Reuters was used in this story.