Compared to the match against France (0:2), head coach of blue-and-yellow Ukraine, Serhiy Rebrov, made three changes in the starting lineup. Instead of Yegor Yarmoluk, Oleksiy Hutsulak and Artem Dovbik, Oleg Ocheretko, Artem Bondarenko and Vladyslav Vanat came onto the field from the first minute.

The assistant coach of Azerbaijan's national team, Ayhan Abbasov, who took over after Portuguese Fernandão Santos was fired following a 0-5 loss to Iceland, made five changes in the starting lineup.

Photo: Dan Balashov

The events unfolded dynamically. As early as the 3rd minute, Vanat broke through and after contact with a defender ended up on the ground. The referee initially awarded a penalty but after reviewing VAR, rescinded his decision.

Overall in the first half of the match, blue-and-yellow Ukraine had possession dominance, delivering five shots at goal (two of which were off target), and taking four corners. However, they lacked sharpness. The hosts built a solid defense, while in attack they relied on quick counterattacks and set pieces to keep Trubin busy. The exchange of half-chances before halftime did not yield any results for either team.

Photo: Dan Balashov

At the start of the second half, Ukrainians added speed to their game. Zinchenko had a chance to score when he found himself with the ball in the opponent's penalty area but shot at a defender instead. However, the next attack was successful: Oleksandr Zubkov freed himself from pressure on the right flank and delivered an accurate cross into the 11-meter area, where Georgiy Sudakov touched it in - 1:0.

Immediately after conceding a goal, the hosts' coach made a substitution, bringing on Toral Bayramov. On the 70th minute, he won an aerial duel and the ball hit Oleksandr Zinchenko's hand. The resulting penalty was converted by captain of Azerbaijan Mahmutov.

Photo: Dan Balashov

In the final stretch of the match, Ukraine's national team tried to tip the scales in their favor and secure a victory. However, the result remained a draw - 1:1. The next qualifier for the 2026 World Cup will be played by Ukraine on October 10 against Iceland in Reykjavik (kickoff at 21:45 Kyiv time).

World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. Group D

Azerbaijan — Ukraine — 1:1 (0:0)

Goals: Mahmutov (72, from the penalty) - Sudakov (51).

Azerbaijan: Makhmedaliyev, Aliyev (A. Husseynov, 66), Badalov, Mustafazade, Krivocuk, Djafarguliyev, Haybulayev (Abdullazade, 78), Mahmutov (c), Ahmetzade (T. Bayramov, 53), Emreli (Gurbanli, 66), Dadashov (A. Nuriyev, 66).

Substitutes: A. Bayramov, Djafarov, Dashdamirov, Kokchu, D. Nuriyev, D. Husseynov, Ibrahimli.

Coach: Ayhan Abbasov.

Ukraine: Trubin, Konoplia, Zabarny, Matviienko (c), Zinchenko (Mykhailichenko, 84), Kaluzhnyi (Yarmoluk, 61), Zubkov, Ocheretko (Shaparenko, 75), Bondarenko (Voloshyn, 75), Sudakov, Vanat (Dovbik, 61).

Substitutes: Bushchan, Riznyk, Mykhavko, Svatos, Bondar, Nazarenko.

Coach: Serhiy Rebrov.

Yellow cards: Dadashov (42), Mahmutov (84), Makhmedaliyev (90+5) — Kaluzhnyi (57), Zinchenko (71), Shaparenko (90+3).

Referee: Vasilis Fotiadis (Greece).

September 9. Baku. Republican Stadium named after Tofig Bahramov.

Standing Table