Compared to the previous match against Iceland, Serhiy Rebrov made four substitutions. In midfield, Kaluzhnyi, Shaparenko, and Sudakov were replaced by Yarmoluk, Ocheretko, and Voloshin, while in attack Vana was substituted for Dovbik.

Photo: Dan Balashov

The Ukrainian team actively started the match, creating moments near the opponent's goal from the first minutes. Malinovsky shot on target after a pass by Konoplia — the goalkeeper held his ground. Shortly thereafter, Yarmoluk and again Malinovsky could have scored. Konoplya hit the crossbar, while Ocheretko shot over the bar after a rebound. The Ukrainians capitalized on their advantage in the 30th minute. Malinovsky delivered from the left flank with a free kick, and Hutsulak headed the ball into the net — 1:0.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Leading in the score, the blue and yellow continued to play first and were very close to doubling their lead. Twice Dovbik had his chance: first after a small deflection his shot was saved by the goalkeeper, then Artem shot from a turn — the ball went past the far post.

But in stoppage time the guests managed to equalize the score — Mykolenko scored an own goal for his side.

Photo: Dan Balashov

After the break, the Ukrainian team continued to play for victory. In the 64th minute, a combination involving Voloshin, Hutsulak, and Malinovsky ended with the latter's precise shot from the penalty spot — 2:1.

Photo: Dan Balashov

The intrigue lasted until the final whistle. A minute before the end of regular time, Voloshin took advantage of Dovbik's pass and scored a precise shot into the far corner, but after reviewing VAR this goal was annulled.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Despite this, the blue and yellow secured a deserved victory. After four rounds, Ukraine's national team has seven points in their tally and holds second place in the group.

The next match of the 2026 World Cup qualification will be played on November 13 against the leader — France's national team (kickoff at 9:45 PM Kyiv time).

World Cup 2026 Qualification. European Zone. Group D

Ukraine — Azerbaijan — 2:1 (1:1)

Goals: Hutsulak (30), Malinovsky (64) — Mykolenko (45+3, own goal).

Ukraine: Trubin, Konoplia (Mikhaylichenko, 46), Zabarny, Matviyenko (c), Mykolenko, Yarmoluk (Bondar, 85), Hutsulak (Kaluzhnyi, 85), Malinovsky (Shaparenko, 71), Ocheretko (Bondarenko, 71), Voloshin, Dovbik. 

Substitutes: Bushchan, Ryzhnik, Svatos, Bratchok, Vana, Nazarenko, Velentey.

Coach: Serhiy Rebrov.

Azerbaijan: Magomedaliyev, A. Husseynov (G. Aliyev, 85), Krivoczuk, Mustafazade, Badalov, Djafarguliyev, T. Bayramov (Ahmedzade, 85), Haybulayev (Khachayev, 90+2), Mahmudov (c), A. Nuriyev (Gurbanli, 61), Ahunzdade (Emreli, 85).

Substitutes: Bayramov, Djafarov, Hadjiyev, Dashdamirov, D. Husseynov, S. Abdullazade. 

Coach: Ayhan Abbasov.

Yellow cards: Malinovsky (45+1), Mikhaylichenko (50), Bondarenko (90+2) — Magomedaliyev (45+1).

Referee: S. Gischammer (Austria).

October 13. Krakow. "Krkovie" Stadium.

Iceland — France — 2:2

Standings