In the first half, blue-and-yellow relied on quick attacks, counting on the goal-scoring abilities of Matviy Ponomarenko. The center forward was the most noticeable player in our team during the first period: after a foul on him, the Spaniards received the only penalty kick of the half.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

The opponent had more possession, and the most active player in their lineup was Pablo Garcia. Once he dangerously headed the ball from the goalkeeper's line, and later forced Krapivtsov to react with a shot from 16 meters.

Midway through the half, the Spaniards earned a corner on the right flank that proved to be decisive. The set-piece ended with Mendosa passing to Pablo Garcia, who was allowed to shoot from the goalkeeper's line.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

Almost immediately, the Ukrainians could have equalized, but after a flank pass from the left, Ponomarenko failed to reach the ball. Before halftime, Matviy had another chance: after Krevsun's free-kick, the forward headed towards the far corner — just next to the post.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

After the break, Ukraine stepped up — increased their tempo, shifted play to the Spaniards' half and began threatening their goal more often. After one of the shots, the ball ricocheted off a defender and flew over the crossbar. Later, Gusiev finished a set-piece with a shot into the far corner — again close to the post.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

The final minutes were very emotional. The blue-and-yellow attacked almost with the entire team, but Pishchurowas just short of scoring from a turn. In summary — 0:1, Ukraine narrowly loses to Spain and concludes their battle at the World Championship in Chile.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

U-20 World Cup (Round of 16)

Ukraine (U-20) — Spain (U-20) — 0:1 (0:1)

Goal: Pablo Garcia (24).

Ukraine (U-20): Krapivtsov, Gusiev, Melnychenko, Kysil, Katrich, Shahh (Shevchenko, 65), Vashchenko (Budko, 81), Krevsun, Derykach (Dytyar, 89), Karman (Panchenko, 81), Ponomarenko (Pishchurow, 46).

Coach: Dmitro Mykhaylenko.

Spain (U-20): Gonzalez, Diaz, Cuena (Cortes, 59), Fortea (Canales, 77), Merino, Belaid (Navarro, 77), Mendosa, Pitarch, Bravo, Pablo Garcia, Virgili (Mella, 59).

Coach: Paco Galarardo.

Yellow cards: Gusiev (90+3) — Cuena (12), Bravo (74).

Referee: Djallel Djayed (Morocco).

October 7. Vina del Mar. Elias Figueroa Brandes Stadium.

Ukraine's Path to the U-20 World Cup

September 27, 2025. South Korea — Ukraine — 1:2

September 30, 2025. Panama — Ukraine — 1:1

October 3, 2025. Ukraine — Paraguay — 2:1

October 7, 2025. Ukraine — Spain — 0:1