World Cup Qualifiers: Epic match between Iceland vs Ukraine (October 10, 2025)

World Cup Qualifiers: Iceland vs Ukraine

Date: October 10, 2025

The recent football match between Iceland and Ukraine on October 10, 2025, was a thrilling encounter in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, held at Laugardalsvöllur Stadium in Reykjavik. The match ended with Ukraine emerging victorious, defeating Iceland 5-3 in a high-scoring affair that showcased both teams' attacking prowess.

Match Summary

First Half

The match kicked off with Ukraine taking an early lead in the 14th minute when Ruslan Malinovskyi scored, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Iceland. His goal set the tone for a competitive first half. However, Iceland responded quickly, equalizing in the 34th minute through Mikael Egill Ellertsson, who found the back of the net after a well-placed cross from the right side.

Just before the half-time whistle, Oleksii Hutsulyak restored Ukraine's lead in the 45th minute, making it 2-1. The first half concluded with Ukraine ahead, but the match was far from over, as both teams displayed a willingness to attack.

Second Half

The second half continued to deliver excitement. Iceland managed to level the score again in the 59th minute when Albert Gudmundsson scored, bringing the score to 2-2. This goal energized the home crowd and gave Iceland a renewed sense of hope.

However, Ukraine quickly regained control of the match. Malinovskyi scored his second goal in the 75th minute, putting Ukraine ahead 3-2. Shortly after, Ivan Kalyuzhnyi extended Ukraine's lead to 4-3 in the 85th minute, showcasing their attacking depth and resilience.

In the dying moments of the match, Oleh Ocheretko sealed the victory for Ukraine with a fifth goal in the 88th minute, making the final score 5-3. This victory marked Ukraine's first win in the qualifying campaign, providing a much-needed boost to their aspirations for World Cup qualification.

Player Performances

Ukraine

• Ruslan Malinovskyi: The standout player for Ukraine, scoring two crucial goals and demonstrating excellent playmaking abilities throughout the match.
• Oleksii Hutsulyak: Contributed significantly with a goal and an assist, showcasing his attacking skills and positioning.
• Ivan Kalyuzhnyi: His goal in the late stages of the match was pivotal in securing the win for Ukraine.

Iceland

• Mikael Egill Ellertsson: Scored Iceland's first goal and was instrumental in their attacking efforts, providing a spark when needed.
• Albert Gudmundsson: His performance included a goal that temporarily leveled the match, reflecting his importance in the Icelandic attack.

Despite the loss, Iceland showed resilience and attacking intent, but ultimately, Ukraine's clinical finishing and strategic play secured them the victory. This match not only highlighted the competitive nature of the qualifiers but also set the stage for both teams' upcoming fixtures as they strive for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.