Ukraine will head to the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament with confidence they can flourish on the big stage after a stunning performance at last year’s UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
Ruslan Rotan’s team stood toe-to-toe with the finest teams on the continent during their run to the semi-finals, notably battling out a thrilling draw with Spain in the group phase and overcoming France in the last eight. That victory booked their Paris 2024 ticket – and Ukraine will be out to cause more shockwaves on their Olympic debut.
Ukraine’s Group B fixtures
All kick-offs in local time
Wednesday, 24 July 2024
Iraq v Ukraine | 19:00 | Stade de Lyon
Saturday, 27 July 2024
Ukraine v Morocco | 17:00 | Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Etienne
Tuesday, 30 July 2024
Ukraine v Argentina | 17:00 | Stade de Lyon
The coach: Ruslan Rotan
A former Ukraine international midfielder, Rotan won 100 caps for his country and played at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He concluded his playing career in 2018 and the following year was handed the reins of the Ukraine U-21 side. After leading them to qualification for the 2023 U-21 EURO, Rotan masterminded their history-making campaign at the tournament – and was entrusted with leading the side which will compete at their maiden Olympic Games. The 42-year-old, who also had a spell as interim boss of the senior Ukraine team last year, combines his role with the Olympic side with coaching Ukrainian Premier League outfit Oleksandriya.