Ukraine were controversially denied a penalty in the final stages of their decisive Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy, which meant their opponents secured a place in next year’s tournament.
Should Ukraine have been awarded a penalty vs Italy?
Heading into Monday night’s final Euro 2024 qualifier between Ukraine and Italy, which saw both sides on 13 points and Italy marginally ahead on goal difference, the stakes couldn’t have been higher.
The pair were fighting for a spot in Euro 2024 in Germany next year with just one automatic spot in Group C remaining after England topped the group in comfortable fashion.
In the 92nd minute, Oleksandr Zubkov’s ball into the area was attacked by Chelsea’s Mykhaylo Mudryk – who appeared to be clipped by Italy substitute Bryan Cristante.
Despite desperate protests from the hosts, referee Jesus Gil Manzano and VAR failed to act upon the challenge which meant Italy secured the vital point they needed to finish second in the group.
Drama in Leverkusen! 🤯
Mykhailo Mudryk is denied a late spot kick and Italy go through to the Finals 😬#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/VoTWvMZ1nO
— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) November 20, 2023
Ukraine can still qualify for Euro 2024 through play-offs
Not all hope is lost for Ukraine, who will now head into the play-offs where they will fight for a spot in next year’s major tournament among a host of other nations who narrowly missed out on qualification.
12 teams will compete in the play-offs next March, where three sides will earn last-gasp tickets to the Euros based on their performances in the 2022/23 Nations League campaigns.
The draw takes place this Thursday, 23rd November. There are three different paths to Euro 2024, with one country qualifying from each of:
- Path C: Georgia, Greece, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg
- Path B: Israel, Bosnia and Herzegovina, two teams to be drawn from Finland, Ukraine, Iceland
- Path A: Poland, Wales, Estonia, one team to be drawn from Finland, Ukraine, Iceland
Ukraine will face a tough order to make it through to Euro 2024, with both Poland and Wales presenting difficult challenges if they were to be drawn against them.
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