Mykhailo Mudryk emerged as the standout hero of the recent international window, leading Ukraine to a dramatic qualification for Euro 2024. In a nail-biting winner-takes-all match against Iceland, Mudryk scored a sensational 84th-minute winning goal, securing Ukraine’s spot at this summer’s finals in Germany.
The match initially posed challenges for Ukraine as they fell behind to Albert Gudmundsson’s stunning opener in the first half. Despite a disallowed goal following a VAR review, winger Viktor Tsyhankov managed to level the score, setting the stage for Mudryk’s late-game heroics. With just minutes left on the clock, Mudryk sealed the deal with a low first-time shot, sending Ukraine into wild celebrations and accomplishing his dream of participating in an international tournament.
In another riveting match, Marc Cucurella represented Spain in a thrilling six-goal friendly against Brazil. Despite Spain taking an early lead, Brazil staged a strong comeback, resulting in a 3-3 draw. Meanwhile, England faced Belgium in a highly anticipated match, with Ben Chilwell delivering a steady performance throughout the game while Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher remained on the bench. Noni Madueke also made a strong impression by contributing two goals and two assists in England Under-21s’ qualifying win over Luxembourg.
Elsewhere, Nicolas Jackson came off the bench to help Senegal secure a 1-0 victory over Benin, and Cesare Casadei completed a full 90 minutes for Italy Under-21s in a 1-1 draw against Turkey.
In youth football, Genesis Antwi played the full 90 minutes as Sweden Under-17s secured a point against Romania, while Ollie Harrison and Ryan McAidoo were involved in England Under-17s’ campaign, despite suffering a 2-1 defeat at the hands of France. However, their previous victories ensured qualification for this summer’s finals in Cyprus.
The international window proved to be thrilling and eventful for these talented footballers, showcasing their skills and commitment on the international stage. These performances further demonstrate the depth of talent within the Chelsea squad, with players making significant contributions to their respective national teams.
The future holds promise for these young footballers, and their experiences at the international level will undoubtedly enrich their development as professional athletes. As they return to domestic action, the Blues’ faithful can look forward to witnessing these players’ continued growth and success on the pitch.