Ukraine's national team played a draw with the Nigeria team

11.09.2019 01:21

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

In the match at the Dnipro Arena, the blue-and-yellows parted ways with one of the best national teams in Africa.

Which promised the day before head coach of the national team of Ukraine Andriy Shevchenko, composed of blue-yellows compared to the successful match in Vilnius, where the Ukrainians three days earlier demonstrated a great game and a convincing result, many changes have taken place. In particular, only four performers remained in the top 11: Matvienko, Malinovsky, Zinchenko and Yarmolenko. 

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

An unusual variant of the composition of the representatives of Europe was not easy to find understanding. Instead, the Africans, despite being in the process of building a new team, seemed confident from the first minute. Powerful and technical Nigerians have time and again released themselves from the custody of their opponents and, even by attacking small groups of players, have created moments. The first of these was already effective: Iwobi broke in on the left and fired at Aribo, who struck the opening goal.

If in this episode, Lunin did not save, then in the future Andrew repeatedly insured partners, winning duels in the opponent. In particular, the goalkeeper did not allow himself to beat Chukwueze after going out on his own. But when the referee awarded an 11-yard touchdown after a foul by Karavayev on Kalu, Lunin proved powerless against Osimchen's blow.  

In the attack, Shevchenko's wards did little. In addition to the unusual lineup, some of the players had to act in unusual positions. In particular, Tsygankov was moved to the left flank. However, it was Victor who had probably the best moment in the first half, but shortly before the break Uzoho pulled the ball after a dangerous shot by a Ukrainian in the near corner.

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

In the second half, despite the unfavorable score, the national team of Ukraine continued to adhere to the usual principles, trying to demonstrate a combination spectacular game. It turned out, however, not always. After the break, the Nigerians attacked not as sharply as in the first 45 minutes. Uzoho made another save, neutralizing Malinowski's shot from the penalty spot. But then the blue-and-yellows turned the tide of the match for a minute, conducting two lightning attacks. Zinchenko from Karavayev's pass and Yaremchuk beat Uzoho at close range after Marlos' pass. The novel, however, succeeded only on the second attempt, but it did not matter. 2: 2 - emotional duel ended in a draw.

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

Friendly Match

Ukraine - Nigeria - 2: 2 (0: 2)

Goals: Zinchenko (78), Yaremchuk (79) - Aribo (4), Osimkhen (34, from the penalty spot).

Ukraine: Lunin, Sobol, Matvienko, Burda, Karavayev, Malinovsky (Shepelev, 73), Zinchenko, Kovalenko (Buyalsky, 67), Tsigankov (Konoplyanka, 73), Yarmolenko (k) (Marlos, 58), Moraes (Yaremchuk, 37).

Substitutions: Pankov, Pyatov, Bolbat, Krivtsov, Plastun, Mykolenko, Bezus.

Trainer: Andrii Shevchenko.

Nigeria: Uzoho, Aina, Ekong (k) (Avasiyam, 87), Ajai, Collins, Aribo, Etobo, Chukwueze (Bonaventure, 82), Iwobi (Esiti, 70), Kalu (Simon, 73), Osimchen (Maya, 90 + 1 ).

Substitutions: Ezenwa, Okoye, Onuachu, Ido, Iheanacho.

Trainer: Gernot Rohr.

Referee: Cheap hotels in Paolo Valeri, Italy. Booked: Osmechen (84).

September 10. The Dnieper. Dnipro-Arena Stadium. 27 spectators.