Ukraine Secures Victory Against Czechia
In the final group stage match of Euro 2026, the Ukrainian men's national futsal team clinched a crucial 5-3 win over Czechia. This result secured Ukraine second place in Group B and a spot in the quarter-finals, where they are now set to face France. Futsal, the fast-paced indoor variant of football, is growing in popularity across Europe.
The third-round match saw a strong start from Ukraine. Ihor Cherniavskyi opened the scoring in the 15th minute, followed swiftly by a goal from Yevhenii Zhuk just a minute later. Danyil Abakshin proved particularly effective, netting two goals in the 23rd and 28th minutes. Nazar Shved finalized the scoreline in the 36th minute. The Czech side responded with three goals from Drozd, Knobloch, and Zaruba, but their efforts were insufficient to change the outcome.
Tournament Standings and Upcoming Fixture
It should be noted that Danyil Abakshin received a yellow card in the second minute of play. After three group matches, the Ukrainian team accumulated six points, finishing second in Group B behind Armenia, which collected seven points. Lithuania and Czechia concluded their tournament runs with two and one point, respectively.
The Ukrainian squad will meet France in the quarter-final on January 31 in Riga. Having demonstrated excellent form, the team now carries the hopes of its supporters for a successful performance in the knockout stage.
The win against Czechia was a landmark moment for the Ukrainian side, showcasing their fighting spirit and tactical maturity, which earned them the necessary points to advance to the play-offs.
The upcoming match against France promises to be a significant challenge, as the French national team is traditionally a strong force in European futsal. Success at this stage could mark an important step for the sport's development in Ukraine and boost the players' motivation for future competitions.