Mykhaylenko: Proud of Ukraine U-19 despite semifinal heartbreak against Germany

Ukraine U-19 head coach Dmytro Mykhaylenko reflected on his team’s run at the 2026 U-19 European Championship after a 2-1 semifinal loss to Germany. The manager struck a balanced tone, praising the overall progress while lamenting the small margins that decided the knockout tie. “If someone had told us before the tournament that we’d be leading Germany in stoppage time of a semi, we’d have taken it. The result is excellent. But we also want these boys knocking on the senior team’s door in three or four years. For that we need more players who are athletic and creative at this level. Many of them really stepped up here,” Mykhaylenko said. He highlighted how the team grew through the competition: “Wins build belief. After the first match we felt this was a different squad. A lot of players were experiencing this stage for the first time, but three consecutive victories gave them huge confidence. Tonight they walked onto the pitch without fear – that’s really valuable.” On the game itself, Mykhaylenko acknowledged Germany’s physical edge and extra rest. “We expected to suffer early. The first half-hour was tough – we got a bit lucky. In the second half it became an open game with chances both ways. But conceding in added time of both halves hurts. Just a lack of concentration cost us.” The coach was especially pleased with the style his side showed. “This isn’t your typical Ukrainian team. Our attacking players aren’t afraid to keep the ball under pressure, they combine well in tight spaces. They bought into the philosophy, and it paid off – though we didn’t expect this level of success so soon.” Mykhaylenko concluded by urging fans to be proud of the squad. “I believe nine points in the group stage is a first for our youth teams. The way they played deserves recognition.”