Benidorm, Spain – The Ukrainian national team faced a difficult situation ahead of their crucial match against Sweden. A robbery at their training camp in Benidorm, Spain, affected the team’s morale.
According to renowned Ukrainian journalist Ihor Burbas, unknown individuals took advantage of the players’ and coaching staff’s empty rooms during training. They stole money, watches, and valuables worth thousands of euros.
Reports indicated that assistant coach Alberto Bosch lost approximately 1,800 euros during the incident.
The incident cast a shadow over the players’ focus, before the team headed to the city of Valencia to play the playoff match at its stadium.
The Ukrainian national team failed to perform at the required level during the match, suffering a 3-1 defeat against Sweden. Striker Viktor Geukeris shone, scoring a decisive hat-trick that ended Ukraine’s hopes. Matvey Ponomarenko managed only a late consolation goal.
With this result, the Ukrainian national team was eliminated from the competition. Meanwhile, Sweden qualified to face Poland in a playoff match on April 1st to determine who would qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
