Vitalii Mykolenko apologised to fans after a ‘disgraceful’ performance saw Ukraine’s World Cup hopes come crashing down following a 3-1 loss to Sweden in Valencia.
Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres scored a hattrick and it proved to be the difference in the playoff semi-final.
“The emotions are probably the same as those of all of Ukraine who watched football, I came to say thank you to the people, those who watched this disgrace,” the Everton left-back told Ukrainian outlet Tribuna.
“I wanted to apologise, but there’s no point in apologising after the fight. I just wanted to say thank you for watching and cheering.
“I don’t know what else to say.”
Meanwhile, Everton captain Seamus Coleman and centre-back Jake O’Brien also suffered international heartbreak after the Republic of Ireland lost in the penalty shootout against Czechia.
Ireland were up 2-0 up courtesy of Troy Parrott and an own goal. However, the hosts fought back valiantly and emerged victors in the penalty shootout in Prague.
Asked about his future with the national team in the aftermath of the defeat, Coleman told RTE Sport, “I would never think of myself that quickly after the nation got so disappointed. That's something that will come later down the line, but I'm just disappointed for the lads.
“[It is] Disappointing for all the fans. [Retirement,] that's not something in my thoughts at this moment in time.
"It would have been great to get to America [the World Cup co-host with Canada and Mexico]. We're all going to be disappointed there. I've enjoyed getting back into the fold and being part of it again and wearing that green jersey.
“Just disappointed I couldn't help a little bit more to get the lads over the line."
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Reader Comments (14)
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2 Posted 27/03/2026 at 17:18:38
3 Posted 27/03/2026 at 19:30:25
Hope that Jimmy performs well today and comes back to Everton safe and sound.
4 Posted 27/03/2026 at 19:50:24
5 Posted 27/03/2026 at 19:55:15
Jimmy had already played a nice ball to his left mid, a dangerous hanging cross into the box and got fouled on the ball leading to a Foden free kick.
Are they instructed to avoid naming Everton players??
6 Posted 27/03/2026 at 19:57:45
Then, when he took the corner, he said that this was 'Garner's first involvement'. Can't help thinking that there is an agenda here.
7 Posted 27/03/2026 at 20:55:09
If they ignore him, he should be proud of his first cap.
8 Posted 28/03/2026 at 10:28:55
9 Posted 28/03/2026 at 10:49:59
These friendlies, however? An unnecessary risk in my opinion, especially for those players on the fringes. I would have a behind-closed-doors warm-up match or two when the base camp is set up and then head straight into the tournament.
It's all just a bit of a laugh, international football. Go in with that attitude and we might progress.
10 Posted 28/03/2026 at 11:25:56
I guess it wasn't just me, eh!
11 Posted 28/03/2026 at 11:52:20
Hahaha - love it!
UTFT
12 Posted 29/03/2026 at 00:48:58
13 Posted 29/03/2026 at 15:20:30
14 Posted 29/03/2026 at 21:15:23
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1 Posted 27/03/2026 at 15:41:49
Anjishnu, if you are going to write a piece please at least get the facts correct. The score was 2:1 after 27 mins not 2:0 at half time. Such postings does nothing for your credibility.