In the town of Poreč, Ukraine's blue-and-yellow team played against the home team — Croatia's squad. At the 13th minute, Ukrainians had a hundred percent chance to open the score, but Ivan Andreyko failed to beat the goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation. Instead, on the 30th minute, a defensive mistake by the guests led to an interception of the ball, and Jona Benkotich almost from midfield passed our goalkeeper Rostislav Baglaj, who came out far from his goal.

Unfortunately, the end of the first half was marred by an unpleasant incident for Ukraine's team. Croatian midfielder Krešimir Radjoš in the center of the field made a very rough tackle on Illi Kut'ia, and our compatriot suffered an injury. He had to be evacuated by ambulance to the hospital.

The entire second half, our team spent with numerical superiority, but despite this, they hardly created any dangerous moments. The Croats organized their defense well and even managed to score another goal. A defender of blue-and-yellow in his own penalty area held Tino Kusanović by the shirt, and the latter confidently converted the resulting penalty — 2:0.

International Tournament in Croatia

Croatia (U-18) — Ukraine (U-18) — 2:0 (1:0)

Goals: Benkotich (30), Kusanović (87, from the penalty).

Ukraine (U-18): Baglaj, Melnyk (Muradyan, 46), Kostenko (Sherstyuk, 62), Kaluzhnyy (Bugay, 62), Zudin (Menshikov, 62), Lysyn (c), Kut'ia (Sereda, 45), Milokost (Yasinsky, 62), Andreyko (Derikon', 52), Martynyuk (Zubryi, 46), Djurabaev (Fedorenko, 62).

Warned: Horvat (69) — Milokost (5), Lysyn (41).

Red card: Radjoš (42).

Ukraine's youth team will play their next match at the tournament on October 11 against Wales.

Schedule of Ukraine's U-18 Youth Team Matches at the Tournament in Croatia

10.11.2025. Ukraine — Wales (4:00 PM)

10.14.2025. Ukraine — Sweden (4:45 PM)

Match start times are in Kyiv time.