European football paid tribute to the victims of attacks in Euro 2016 hosts France during Saturday’s qualifying play-offs which saw Sweden edge Denmark 2-1 and Ukraine beat Slovenia 2-0 in first leg ties.
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Both Sweden and Ukraine registered victories against Denmark and Slovenia respectively though the Danes will be the happier of the two after scoring an away goal.
Slovenia make the trip to the Ukraine for their first head to head meetign in sixteen years.
The 30-year-old was denied a brace a short while later when – after being played through on goal – he was denied by the post.
In the second half Slovenia had to open up as they searched for an away goal and nine minutes after the interval it gave Ukraine the opportunity to double their advantage. The rebound is cleared.
54′ – GOAL – Ukraine 2-0 Slovenia!
Again Yarmolenko was involved, finding an overlapping Artem Fedetskiy with a pass inside the full-back, and his ball across the six-yard box found Seleznyov sliding in to score from virtually on the line.
57′ – SAVE! Garmash should extend Ukraine’s lead as he finds himself unmarked at the back post to meet a cross but his diving header is well saved by Handanovic.
Ukraine controlled large parts of the clash in Lviv and could have won by a greater margin had Samir Handanovic not been in fine form for the visitors, while Seleznyov nearly made it three when he struck the post 20 minutes from time.
The Ukrainians have failed to progress for a major worldwide tournament via the play-offs on five occasions, with Slovenia among the countries who have dashed their dream in two-legged contests in a tie to qualify for Euro 2000. Mykhaylo Fomenko’s side simply seemed hungrier than their opponents.
“However, we still have the second leg so this is not the end of our campaign”. “I think the second goal was offside so the luck was not on our side today”.
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Gladkiy is hoping to recover for the return game in Slovenia on Tuesday.
