This sentence would have been good for Finland! Italy to the European Championships after the referee’s decision – the Ukrainians were stunned

Italy got off the hook when they were not awarded a penalty kick for bringing down Mihailo Mudryk. If Ukraine had won, it would have been significant for Huuhkajie’s EC dreams.

In the qualifiers for the European Football Championship, Monday’s final games saw great drama in the struggle between Italy and Ukraine. In extra time of the match, Italy Cristante overthrew Ukraine Mihailo Mydryk too. The situation looked like a foul worthy of a penalty kick, but no whistle was blown.

Many on social media demanded a penalty kick for the situation. The Ukrainian team also seemed dismayed by the situation.

The match ended in a goalless draw. The result meant that Italy went directly to the European Championships. If Ukraine had received a penalty kick, scored a goal and won the match, it would also have had an impact on Huuhkajie’s hunt for a place in the European Championships.

If Italy had been left out of the direct EC competition place and remained in the further qualification, Finland could not have faced a tougher A path in the further qualification. Now either Finland, Ukraine or Iceland will be drawn to fight for a place in the A-path. Countries like Poland and Wales are currently coming from there.

When ending up on the B path, Finland would first face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the further qualifiers. If it was a victory, either Israel, Ukraine or Iceland would be against. The opponents for further qualification will be determined in Thursday’s draw.

Read more: The speculators now have to wait for the draw – Finland can play against these countries for a place in the European Championships

Head coach of Ukraine Sergei Rebrov had to frame his words diplomatically in the press conference after the match.

– I think it was a penalty, but there is a referee and VAR (video review). We are not the ones to decide, Rebrov said.

However, Rebrov reminded that the referee of the match was not even invited to look at the situation on the screen again.

– I think it was a comma. However, VAR did not consider overturning the verdict by bringing it to the referee for review, Rebrov said.

Italy dominated Germany’s match played in Leverkusen for long periods and had plenty of chances to score. However, Ukraine started and finished the game strongly. Because of the war, Ukraine has played its home games elsewhere in Europe. It did not lose a single home match played on a neutral ground in the European Championship qualifiers.

– The situation has not been easy, but we have fulfilled our obligations and tried our best. The stadium had a great atmosphere. The Italians on the field and in the stands respected us very well, Rebrov thanked.

The qualifying group C was won by England, who took six wins and two draws from their eight matches. Italy and Ukraine both finished with 14 points, but Italy were better in their head-to-head matches, having previously won their home game against Ukraine 2–1.

The EC qualifiers will be played in March. There are three more spots for the European Championship.

The last actual EC qualifying games are coming up on Tuesday. There is only one direct seat left. Croatia needs to beat Armenia to get a direct spot. If Croatia loses to Armenia, Wales can still grab a direct spot. However, Wales must beat Turkey to even dream of a place in the competition.

You can see the standings of the European Championship qualification at this link.