Ukraine's national U-21 football team qualifies early for Euro 2025

Euro U-21, Qualification, Group F

Northern Ireland U-21 – Ukraine U-21 – 1:2

Goals: Allen, 80' (penalty) – Voloshyn, 10', Braharu, 30'

Red card: Batahov, 80' (Ukraine, straight red card)

The teams started evenly, with most of the action unfolding in the midfield. The quick goal by the Ukrainian U-21 national team came as a surprise. In the 10th minute, Voloshyn received the ball at the edge of the penalty area and shot, deflecting into the near corner of the hosts' goal.

After conceding the goal, Northern Ireland's U-21 team tried to seize the initiative. They mounted a few attacks but failed to seriously trouble Neshcheret. The Ukrainian U-21 team quickly pushed the game away from their goal and doubled their lead midway through the half - Braharu outmaneuvered the goalkeeper inside the box and sent the ball into the net.

At the start of the second half, the hosts tested Neshcheret with two shots. However, the Ukrainian U-21 national team soon regained game control. Unai Melgosa's team could have extended their lead further, with Braharu unable to beat the goalkeeper in the near corner, and Voloshyn's shot from the edge of the box was parried by the keeper.

Ukraine U-21's captain added some drama to the match. In the 80th minute, Batahov lost the ball in his half, fouled an opponent in the penalty area, and was sent off with a straight red card. Allen converted the penalty, but this minor success was the last for Northern Ireland's U-21 team.

The Ukraine U-21 national team held on for the win and secured early qualification for the European Championship. The results of future matches against England and Serbia will not affect Ukraine's national U-21 football team status. Melgosa's team now boasts eight wins in eight matches.