Euro 2020. Eight steps of the national team of Ukraine to the final tournament: slowed down the continent champion

24.04.2020 21:04

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

In the opening match of the qualifying tournament for the 2020 European Championship, which has already been officially postponed to 2021, the national team of Ukraine parted ways with the current champions of the continent - the Portuguese.

In the first half, the Ukrainian team coped with the task of holding back the hosts' attacks. The blue and yellow were well defended, did not lose positions and concentration, clearly insure partners. However, the leader of the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo still twice found opportunities for dangerous strikes, but at these moments Pyatov confidently acted.

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

After the break, the Portuguese began to press their opponents harder against the goal, and the Ukrainian line of defense began to sink deeper and deeper. In the 57th minute, Andre Silva scored from the penalty line under the post, and only a great jump Pyatov did not allow a goal. Numerous standards performed by the hosts also looked threatening. Ukrainians, though infrequently, tried to build their attacks, providing themselves with at least some rest.

The final minutes passed in the attacks of the Portuguese, but no goals were scored, in the end - 0: 0.

Portugal - Ukraine - 0: 0

Portugal: Rui Patricio, João Concello, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Rafael Guerreiro, Cristiano Ronaldo (k), Joao Moutinho (João Mario, 87), Andre Silva (Diego Sousa, 73), Bernard Silva, William Carvalho, Ruben Siwal, Ruben Siwal 62). Substitutions: Jose Fontaine, Jose Sa, Danilo, Joao Felish, Gedesh, Mario Rui, Pizzi, Nelson Semedu, Beta.

Ukraine: Pyatov (k), Mykolenko, Krivtsov, Matvienko, Karavayev, Stepanenko, Zinchenko, Malinovsky, Konoplyanka (Buyalsky, 87), Marlos (Tsygankov, 67), Yaremchuk (Moraes, 76). Substitutions: Boyko, Butko, Sobol, Burda, Shaparenko, Kravets, Sidorchuk, Bezus, Lunin.

Referee: Clément Turpin (France). Booked: Stepanenko (86).

March 22nd. Lisbon. Da Luzh Stadium. 58 355 spectators.

After the match

Andrii Shevchenko (head coach of the national team of Ukraine): "I want to thank the Portuguese and Ukrainian fans who created such a wonderful atmosphere during the game. Our fans came to support the team. It is very nice that people have overcome this path. We felt this support, thank you very much.

It was very important to complete the installation, which the players coped with. The only thing we failed to do was complete several counterattacks. In general, I am very pleased with the game and the result. "

Photo by Pavlo Kubanov

Andriy Pyatov (Ukraine national goalkeeper): "The first match in the group against such an opponent… This draw will give us confidence, because we had a good 15 minutes of the match, but then mistakes started, we became less in possession of the ball. Of course, we were responsible for the result, so we were afraid to make a mistake. "