The Ukrainian national football team started the 2024 Olympics with a 1:2 defeat to the Iraqi team. The turning point in the game was the penalty awarded to our team.
Ukrainian team winger Maksym Khlan after the Iraq — Ukraine match expressed his opinion in a comment to the UAF press service that the refereeing decisions influenced the course of the match.
Khlan on the defeat to Iraq and the penalty
— There are games where you need luck. Tough games must be overcome with patience and anticipation of your moments. Also, sometimes the referee interferes in the game when it is not necessary. That penalty is pointless. It had a big impact on the psychological state, mentally, — said the footballer.
According to Khlan, the decision of the Sudanese referee was unqualified. He said: It was an unqualified decision, after which, first of all, it was difficult to accept, it was a penalty. And our game did not go well.
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According to Maxim, the team did everything they could, but somewhere they lacked luck. He noted that now the guys need to concentrate on the next game against Morocco and put aside all negative thoughts.
Recall that Ukraine was the first to open the scoring in the match against Iraq — the goal was scored by Valentin Rubchinskiy. However, four minutes later the Iraqis equalized after a dubious penalty. After that, the Ukrainians' game did not go well and they conceded another goal.
The match Ukraine — Morocco will take place on July 27 at the Geoffroy Guichard Stadium in Saint-Etienne. The start — at 18:00 Kyiv time.
Note that in case of defeat in this match, Ruslan Rotan's team will lose their chances to reach the playoffs of the Olympic tournament.
