Euro 2019 (U-21): Zubkov's double and Kovalenko's goal ensure Ukraine's youth squad win over Scotland

12.10.2018 23:02

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In its penultimate match of the group round of Euro 2019 qualifiers, the Ukrainian "youth" met with the Scots - direct competitors in the fight for the second final row of the table, which gives you a chance to play in the playoffs. 

On the eve of the game, Alexander Golovko's team gained reinforcement represented by Andriy Lunin, who arrived from the location of the national team. The Leganes goalkeeper took his place in the blue-yellow goal, and in the first minute he had to get the ball out of the net. The left flank of the hosts' defense failed, Brophy received a pass on the move, gave it to the center under the blow of Morgan, who shot into the near corner. 0: 1.

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Having gained a psychological advantage, the Scots looked more confident and had a chance to develop success. Lunin had to neutralize Mollan's free kick and an even more dangerous header from Porteus after a corner. In another episode, our goalkeeper was secured by Mykhaylichenko, knocking the ball with his head from the goal line.

But the Ukrainians were able to play off, realizing one of the few opportunities created. Mikhailchenko filed from the left flank, Shepelev famously threw Zubkov under attack, and the blue-yellow striker leveled the score with a small rebound from the defender.

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In the second half, the active actions of the Ukrainians forced the British to sit deeper and focus mainly on defense. Zubkov's second goal became the logical embodiment of the hosts' game advantage. And although Alexander scored from outside the penalty area in the center, directly to the goalkeeper, Robbie McCrory played very poorly - from his hands the ball flew over the goal line.

Without using a few more chances (in particular, Tretyakov twice did not manage the ball in the best way near the opponent's goal), the blue and yellows finally decided the fate of the match in stoppage time. Kovalenko punished the Scots, who advanced with great force.

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Selection for Euro 2019 (U-21). Group 4

Ukraine (U-21) - Scotland (U-21) - 3: 1 (1: 1)

Goals: Zubkov (32, 56), Kovalenko (90 + 4) - Morgan (1).

Ukraine: Lunin, Mykolenko, Shepelev, Kiryukhantsev, Kovalenko (k), Zubkov (Shaparenko, 83), Lunev (Tretyakov, 38), Mikhailichenko, Swede (Boryachuk, 71), Popov, Pihalonok.

Substitutions: Kanevtsev, Lukyanchuk, Lednev, Nazarina.

Trainer: Alexander Golovko.

Scotland: Robbie McCrory, Smith, Taylor, Bates, Porthus, Cadden, Campbell (Gilmore, 90), Brophy (Middleton, 69), Morgan, Mollan, Ross McCrory (k).

Substitutions: Dugan, McIntyre, Shaw, Watt, Williamson.

Trainer: Scott Gemmill.

Referee: Bojan Panjic (Sweden).

Booked: Lunov (30), Lunin (90 + 3).

October 12. Kyiv. Obolon-Arena Stadium.

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Standings

16.10.2018

Scotland - England (19.30)

Holland - Ukraine (19.30)

Andorra - Latvia (19.30)

It will be recalled that in addition to the host of the tournament, Italy, the strongest teams of nine qualifying groups and two playoff winners will get to the final stage of the European Youth Championship in 2019. And only four of the nine second teams, which will have the best results in matches with the first, third, fourth and fifth teams of the group, will make it to the joints (the outsider is eliminated).