The Ukrainian national football team faced a crushing defeat against Belgium in the second leg of their League of Nations playoff, losing 3-0 on March 25, 2025, and 4-3 on aggregate. This disappointing outcome marked a stark contrast to their home victory during the first leg, where they had taken a 2-0 lead.
Before the match in Genk, coach Serhiy Rebrov had made it clear that his strategy was to defend the result with a low block, employing five defenders. However, this tactical decision backfired spectacularly. After holding the score for nearly one half, Ukraine conceded three goals in a shocking 14-minute breakdown, resulting in a 0-3 scoreline that sent them crashing out of the competition.
Rebrov faced intense criticism for his tactics post-match, particularly from former player Viktor Leonenko, who scrutinized the team’s performance and decision-making. Renowned Belgian captain Kevin De Bruyne's motivational speech before the match inspired his team to deliver an impressive performance. "We must understand the situation; either we lose and fall back into B, or win and stay in A," he urged his teammates, emphasizing the need for focus and unity throughout the game.
Unfortunately for the Ukrainians, the match mirrored their past experiences, particularly the fateful playoff against France in 2014 that led to their World Cup elimination. The defeat, filled with disappointment, leaves the Ukrainian squad pondering their approach as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Ukraine will face formidable opponents in 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with matches against France, Azerbaijan, and Iceland slated to begin on September 5, 2025. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how Rebrov and his team adapt to these challenges.
Amid this disappointing loss, attention turned to another aspect of Ukrainian football: the future of goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. Rumors have intensified regarding Lunin's potential move to a big club, with Manchester United reportedly leading the chase to secure his signature this summer. Reports indicate that the English giants are willing to negotiate a transfer fee between €20-25 million.
During the 2024-2025 season, Lunin, who has become a key player for both his national team and Real Madrid, displayed impressive stats. He played ten matches, conceded twelve goals, and managed to keep four clean sheets. Notably, he also achieved a rare statistic for a goalkeeper—providing an assist, something that had not been recorded by Real Madrid keepers in La Liga for over three decades.
With Manchester United and Turkish club Galatasaray showing interest, Lunin’s future remains a hot topic in football circles. Should he seal the deal with United, it would mark a significant step in his career, providing him with an opportunity to compete on one of the biggest stages in football.
Analysts believe that while Lunin's club situation develops, another pressing focus for the Ukrainian national team will be addressing defensive strategies following the collapse against Belgium. Oleksiy Belik analyzed the goals conceded and noted that referee decisions and key player performances significantly impacted the game’s outcome.
Belik pointed out the second goal conceded, arguing that the officiating could have been biased. He emphasized the challenge Lukaku posed in one-on-one battles, exposing weaknesses in Ukraine's defensive organization, especially in high-pressure situations against top-tier opponents.
As fans reflect on this latest defeat, the road ahead will demand courage, determination, and tactical refinement. With two friendly matches lined up in June 2025, Rebrov's squad will have opportunities to recalibrate their strategies and underpin their skill set before entering the competitive qualifiers.
As the new chapter unfolds for both Andriy Lunin and the national team, one can't help but wonder: can Ukraine regroup and harness their full potential as they strive for a spot in the next World Cup?
