In a disappointing showing in Genk, the Ukrainian national football team was defeated 3-0 by Belgium during the UEFA Nations League playoff on March 23, 2025. This loss marked a significant setback for a team that had hoped to secure a spot in the top tier of the competition.
The match unfolded in a way that left commentators and fans alike questioning the strategies employed by Ukraine's head coach, Serhiy Rebrov. According to renowned Ukrainian coach Oleg Fedorchuk, from the very first minutes of the match, the "ostrich" behavior of the Ukrainian national team was doomed to failure. He criticized the team's defensive tactics, stating, "The bet on a deaf defense was strategically wrong," highlighting the lack of a clear plan to challenge Belgium's control over the game.
Fedorchuk suggested that Ukraine should have utilized a more proactive scheme, specifically a 4-1-4-1 formation, similar to their approach in a previous match in Murcia. However, the team's choice to focus on defense with five defenders and four midfielders left their attacking players, like striker Vladyslav Vanat, stranded and ineffective, as he was "simply undernourished" while Belgium continuously pressed forward.
In addressing why Ukraine struggled offensively, Fedorchuk pointed out that critical player relocations hindered the team's dynamics, particularly the repositioning of Oleksandr Zinchenko to the right flank and the ineffective performance of Heorhiy Sudakov, who was again left unnoticed on the field. Several key Ukrainian players, including Ivan Kalyuzhny and Viktor Tsygankov, were also not fit enough to fully contribute, leaving the squad appearing defeated before the game had even concluded.
Andriy Tlumak, director of Lviv’s "Karpaty," also weighed in on the game's outcome, praising goalkeeper Andriy Lunin's performance despite the three goals conceded. “To be honest, there are no complaints among the guests only about goalkeeper Andriy Lunin... If it weren’t for his lightning-fast reaction at the last line, everything could have ended even worse,” Tlumak stated. His remarks emphasize that Lunin was a solitary bright spot in an otherwise bleak outing for Ukraine.
While the Belgian team elevated their game after a 3-1 loss in Murcia just days prior, they capitalized on Ukraine’s passive tactics throughout the match. Tlumak noted the importance of actively challenging an opposing offense, especially with players like Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne in the lineup, allowing for powerful strikes on goal. He lamented that the Ukrainian strategy resembled “parking the bus,” which is not advisable when dealing with aggressive opponents.
The negativity surrounding Ukraine's strategy persisted as the match unfolded. Belgium initially struggled to capitalize on their dominance until substitute Maxim De Cuyper opened the scoring just one minute after Leandro Trossard was removed from play. Trossard, who had been positioned on the right wing, drew criticism for his insufficient impact throughout the match. Reports branded his performance as "calamitous," reflecting the divided opinion surrounding his ability to fulfill his role effectively.
Despite Trossard's shortcomings, the introduction of fresh legs allowed Lukaku to dominate, ultimately scoring twice to secure Belgium's victory and maintain their status in the top tier of the UEFA Nations League. Belgium overturned a 3-1 deficit from their previous meeting with Ukraine, guaranteeing their position in League A for the upcoming season.
As Ukraine reflects on this match, there are several questions left unanswered. With Romania and potentially a World Cup campaign on the horizon, the coaching staff must assess the tactics employed against Belgium closely. The disappointing performance against Belgium illustrates the pressing need for strategic overhaul. With thoughts now turning to how to secure better results in future qualifiers, the coaching staff and players alike must confront the reality of their recent performance.
According to Fedorchuk, “The chance to break into the elite division of the Nations League was wasted,” emphasizing the broader implications for Ukraine's international standing. As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, it has become evidently clear that changes are essential for the Ukrainian national team's approach to high-stakes matches.
Ultimately, on this day in Genk, Belgium showcased their resilience and tactical prowess, while Ukraine was left to reconsider its strategies and readiness ahead of the looming World Cup qualifiers.
