Euro 2020. Ukraine's national team defeated Luxembourg to a minimum and consolidated leadership in its selection group

11.06.2019 01:38

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

The match with Luxembourg, as predicted by Andriy Shevchenko, was difficult for the blue-and-yellows. But they fulfilled the main task, winning the third victory in a row in a row and the second in three days.

Shevchenko's starting line-up compared to a successful match against Serbia has not undergone any changes. But among the spare there were some permutations. Instead of Boutka and Besedin, Shaparenko and Marlos were included in the application.

Considering how difficult it was for the blue and yellows to develop the first match with Luxembourg, in March, it is not surprising that they tried not to repeat the mistakes and to ensure a favorable outcome as soon as possible. And the initial invasion of the hosts brought them success. After the corner kick, Malinowski made a perfect pass to the goal line, and Yaremchuk, having won the fight in the air, opened the score with a header. The forward excelled in the second match of the national team in his hometown! By the way, the next corner, in the 9th minute, also almost became effective. This time Konoplyanka's serve was completed by Stepanenko's header, but he hit the crossbar.

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

In the future, the blue and yellows tried to keep the game under control and continued to periodically create moments. In particular, only the confident actions of the goalkeeper of the guests Maurice did not allow Zinchenko to stand out after coming out on his own and Malinowski after a direct free kick. But the national team of Luxembourg at the first opportunity approached the gates of the Ukrainians, and sometimes it managed to overcome the defense of the opponent. The guests struck several dangerous blows, and in one of the episodes Pyatov had to save the goal when Jans scored from a sharp angle. In the 38th minute, Martins headed the ball into the net, but the team of referees recorded an offside.

In the second half of the first half, the Ukrainian national team allowed the opponent too much. After a break, the owners managed to regain control of the game for a while, but they did not qualitatively carry out high-speed attacks. Sometimes Tsygankov, Yaremchuk, and Konoplyanka took positions to strike, but these attempts were unsuccessful. And closer to the middle of the second half, Luxembourg felt confident again, and Pyatov again had to work hard, both on the line and on the exits.

It was noticeable that after a long season and a game that had taken a lot of physical strength and emotions three days earlier, it was difficult for Ukraine to add and demonstrate high speeds or apply pressure. And if Stepanenko had hit the post after Konoplyanka crossed a free kick, the final minutes of the match might have been quieter, but it didn't happen.

The Luxembourgers also made substitutions aimed at intensifying the attack, and made the home fans worry. Still, they were forced to leave the field defeated.

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

Euro 2020. Qualifying Tournament. Group B

Ukraine - Luxembourg - 1: 0 (1: 0)

Goal: Yaremchuk (6).

Ukraine: Pyatov (k), Mykolenko, Matviyenko, Kryvtsov, Karavayev, Stepanenko, Zinchenko, Malinovskyi, Konoplyanka (Kovalenko, 80), Tsyhankov (Sobol, 88), Yaremchuk.  

Substitutions: Pankov, Lunin, Shepelev, Burda, Shaparenko, A. Kravets, Marlos, Bezus, Plastun, Sweden.

Trainer: Andrii Shevchenko.

Luxembourg: Morris, Chano, Gerson, K. Martins, Da Mota (Bensey, 52), W. Thill, O. Thill (Thurpel, 77), Barreiro Martins, Rodriguez, Jans (k), Martens.

Substitutions: Sean, Kips, Makhmutovich, Malzhe, Selimovich, K. Holtz, Sinani, Janisz, Skenderovic.

Trainer: Luke Holtz.

Referee: Peter Kralovic (Slovakia).

Booked: Mykolenko (56), Karavaev (67), Zinchenko (81) - O. Till (29), Da Mota (31), Rodriguez (51), V. Till (90 + 4).

June 10th. Lviv. Arena Lviv Stadium.

Serbia - Lithuania - 4: 1 (3: 0)

Goals: A. Mitrovic (20, 34), Jovic (35), Ljajic (90 + 2) - Novikovas (71, from the penalty spot).

Standings

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov