LEVERKUSEN, Germany -- There was no fairy tale for Ukraine on Monday night. Qualification for Euro 2024 now rests on the unpredictability of the playoffs next March, but after overcoming so much to put themselves within touching distance of next summer's European Championships, Serhiy Rebrov's team were denied by the oldest sporting frustration of all: a bad call by the officials.
As it stands, the 0-0 draw against Italy means Ukraine must now wait to discover their playoff opponents on Thursday, with an away game against one of Poland, Wales, Israel or Bosnia & Herzegovina awaiting in the spring as 12 teams compete for the final four spots at Euro 2024.