Under the lights of Bangor City Stadium in Wales, Ukraine defeated Croatia 3–1 in the opening round of the UEFA U19 Championship. The first half ended 1–1, but Ukraine stepped up after the break, scoring twice in the second half to secure their first three points in the group.
Croatia, coached by Siniša Oreščanin in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation, often saw central midfielder Matija Subotić drop between the two centre-backs during the build-up phase to create a back three (see video below).
Croatia took the lead after 22 minutes when Ivan Barić converted a penalty, awarded after left centre-back Puljić found attacking midfielder Šutalo with a long pass behind the opposition’s defensive line. Šutalo made a well-timed run, rounded the goalkeeper, and was brought down in the penalty area by Mylokost.
Out of possession, Croatia pressed high in a 1-4-4-2 diamond, with central midfielder Pavle Smiljanić stepping forward to support the front two (see video below).
Ukraine, coached by Dmytro Mykhaylenko in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation, equalised four minutes later when striker Bogdanov scored with a strong header from Lyusin’s inswinging corner.
They frequently bypassed the opposition’s front two when they defended in a mid-block by playing diagonal passes. This enabled them to progress through the thirds and ultimately score the goal that made it 1–2 early in the second half.
Out of possession, Ukraine defended in a 1-4-4-2 mid-block. After Lyusin scored their third goal with an excellent long-range strike in the 57th minute, they dropped into a deeper defensive block, allowing the opposition to deliver several dangerous crosses from Ukraine’s left side. This resulted in a number of clear chances for the opponents to reduce the deficit.
Standout Players throughout the Match:
Ljubo Puljic (Croatia / Atalanta U23), left centre-back born 2007.
Ljubo is a tall, left-footed centre-back with excellent playmaking ability and strong aerial presence. He regularly switched play with precise long passes and played balls over the opposition defensive line, including one that led to his team’s penalty and only goal. He also broke lines with progressive passing and an assured first touch, while using effective turns to escape pressure when pressed. In addition, he dominated aerial duels throughout.
Kristian Mandic (Croatia / 1.FC Nuremberg II), left-back born 2007.
Kristian is a tall left-back with strong playmaking ability and solid 1v1 attacking skills. He consistently attacked space in behind and the penalty area with well-timed runs, getting into dangerous positions to finish. He also had a good headed chance that the goalkeeper tipped over the bar and delivered dangerous crosses from wide areas. To improve, he should work on his defensive positioning and 1v1 defending.
Dmytro Bogdanov (Ukraine / Union Berlin), striker born 2007.
Dmytro is a target player with strong physical attributes and excellent heading ability. He scored Ukraine’s first goal with a powerful header from an attacking corner and also used his aerial timing to flick balls on into space, beating his opponents. With his back to goal, he linked play effectively, setting up teammates with precise chest control. He also showed confidence shooting from distance with both feet and made well-timed runs into the wide channels. In Ukraine’s second goal, he received the ball wide, beat his direct opponent, and finished with his left foot, with the move continuing into the eventual goal.
Danylo Malov (Ukraine / NK Olimpija Ljubljana), left-back born 2007.
Danylo is a left-footed full-back with excellent speed, which he uses effectively to progress with the ball at his feet. He is well positioned to cover teammates and intercept both forward and long passes, demonstrating good defensive awareness and agility in 1v1 situations. He is also composed under pressure, using his agility on the ball to escape tight situations while maintaining possession through precise short passes. Additionally, he possesses a long throw-in as an attacking weapon. To improve: crossing.
Pavlo Lyusin (Ukraine / Dynamo Kyiv U19), central midfielder born 2008.
Pavlo is a central midfielder with excellent vision and passing ability. He consistently played through the opposition’s defensive line with accurate through balls and also scored an outstanding third goal, striking a powerful and precise long-range effort with the outside of his foot into the far side of the net. He also provided the assist for the first goal with a precise inswinging corner.
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