Ukraine U-19 coach calls stoppage-time collapse 'cruel' after Germany defeat

Dmytro Mykhaylenko, the head coach of Ukraine’s Under-19 national team, was left to rue a dramatic semifinal exit at the 2026 European Under-19 Championship after his side fell 2-1 to Germany. Ukraine had taken the lead and looked on course for a place in the final, but Germany struck twice in stoppage time to snatch victory deep into added time. “I’m incredibly proud of the boys. They gave everything on the pitch, fought for every ball. But to lose this way – conceding two goals in added time – is heartbreaking. We were so close to the final, but football can be cruel sometimes,” Mykhaylenko said after the match.