Mykolenko slams Ukraine’s performance after defeat to Sweden
Ukrainian defender Vitalii Mykolenko commented on Ukraine’s defeat to the Sweden national team in the World Cup qualifying playoff semifinal.
The player said the team performed poorly and lacked aggression, calling the display “shameful.” His comments were reported by Megogo.
“Probably the same emotions as everyone in Ukraine who watched the match. I came to the flash interview to say thank you to those who watched this disgrace until the end.
I wanted to apologize, but… there’s nothing to apologize for after a battle. I just wanted to say thank you for watching and supporting us. I don’t know what else to say,” Mykolenko said.
He also added that he feels ashamed “of how toothless we were when we came out and played.”
“If we take the match against Iceland as an example — how we fought to reach this playoff… We fought, the whole of Ukraine supported us, and there was a real team on the pitch. Today, that wasn’t the case. I can’t explain why — maybe it just wasn’t our day. But it is what it is; we’ll come back stronger,” he said.
As reported, Ukraine lost 1–3 to Sweden in the World Cup 2026 playoff semifinal.
World Cup 2026 Qualifiers — Path B. Semifinal
Ukraine 1–3 Sweden (0–1)
Goals: Ponomarenko 90+1 — Gyökeres 6, 51, 72.
Turkey defeated Romania and advanced to the World Cup 2026 playoff final.
Kyrylo Marsak competed in the free skate at the World Championships for the first time.
Heraskevych and other Olympians condemned a committee over the execution of a wrestler.
Ukraine will play Sweden on Thursday for a place in the World Cup 2026 playoff final.
