Mykhailo Mudryk was denied a clear penalty during Ukraine’s clash at Italy in a clash that also saw him ‘retire’ former Chelsea star Jorginho.
A victory for Ukraine in their final European qualifier would have seen them qualify for Euro 2024 at the competition’s reigning champions’ expense.
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Italy saw out a 0-0 draw in the end, though, which means Ukraine will now have to enter into the play-offs in March to win a place at next summer’s tournament.
But despite the disappointing result, Ukraine and Chelsea winger Mudryk put a smile on the faces of Blues fans thanks to his battle with their former midfielder, Jorginho.
Mudryk could’ve given his side a last-gasp penalty and a chance to go through right at the end of the clash when he had his ankles clipped after receiving the ball in the box in the second minute of added time in the second half.
But despite being left in a bundle on the floor and his teammate’s complaints, the referee waved away the incident and it was Italy who secured their place at next summer’s tournament.
A gutting moment for Mudryk and Ukraine but he also enjoyed a fine individual moment at former Chelsea star Jorginho’s expense.
The Italian, who won the Champions League and Europa League with Chelsea but left for London rivals Arsenal last January, was seen trying to stop Mudryk from bursting down the left.
But the Blues star was far too quick for Jorginho, who ended up losing his footing in his pursuit of the winger and falling to the floor.
“Mudryk retired Jorginho,” one fan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, as they reacted to the moment.
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Another said: “Mudryk absolutely bodied Jorginho today and that is what he deserves.”
Arsenal fans were quick to remind their Chelsea counterparts that it was Jorginho that was advancing to next summer’s tournament, thought.
“Jorginho has qualified tho, Mudryk can hold that as his qualification,” they wrote.