The team continues to prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games.

The head coach of the Ukrainian U-23 national team, Ruslan Rotan, announced the team’s first match in history, the official UAF website reports..

Rotan noted that the pairing with the national team of Japan U-23 was even stronger and that the Japanese themselves were a strong opponent.

" Of course, we have miraculously realized what is waiting for us - a troubling flight, transfers, rest, change of time zones. It’s possible that, in essence, we were left for a while. A match with such a opponent doesn't have much. The team of Japan is already organized, disciplined and tactfully trained. I respect them as one of the favorites for the Asian Cup (U-23).

This is the beginning of our preparation for the Olympics. The result will obviously bore us, but this match will bring us joy. On today's topic, there is almost a clear indication of the need for the release of athletes to the Olympic Games. We will conduct an active dialogue with them,” said the Kermanic member of the Olympic team of Ukraine.

Guess what, the “blue and yellow” surrendered to the Japanese on Monday, February 25, having missed two half-times.