Ukraine’s national football team defeated Hungary 1-0 in its opening UEFA Nations League match. Forward Danylo Sikan scored the only goal in the 42nd minute.
In the 90+2nd minute, Ukraine midfielder Oleksandr Nazarenko was shown a red card.
Thanks to the victory, Ukraine earned three points in Group B2. Northern Ireland, which defeated Georgia later that evening, has the same number of points.
The match against Hungary was the first official game for Ukraine’s new head coach, Andrea Maldera, who was appointed in May to replace Serhii Rebrov.
“I am satisfied and happy. But last week I said that we need to maintain balance. This match is over, and from tomorrow we need to think about the next games.”
Andrea Maldera, head coach of the Ukraine national team
Ukraine’s upcoming matches
After the match against Hungary, Ukraine will play five more matches in Group B2:
- against Georgia — September 28 at 19:00;
- against Northern Ireland — October 2 at 21:45;
- against Hungary — October 5 at 21:45;
- against Northern Ireland — November 14 at 21:45;
- against Georgia — November 17 at 21:45.
Context
The UEFA Nations League is held every two years. In the previous season, Ukraine reached the playoffs, where it lost to Belgium.
Russia was suspended from participating in the Nations League on February 28, 2022, due to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
