Ukrainian’s coach Oleg Blohkin worked to play down the expectations of the co-host nation in the run up to his side’s opener against Sweden. Even in the aftermath of the Yellow-Blues’ 2-1 triumph, Blohkin was quick to point out that Ukraine committed too many errors, especially in the latter stage of the game. But with fan enthusiasm running high, there’s no such luck to temper hopes.
Andriy
Shevchenko’s pair of second half goals has Ukraine within touching distance of
a quarter-final berth and excitement is reaching a fever pitch in Kyiv. Sweden
is a solid side, and striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a world class player, but
Ukraine knows that they will have to raise their game to emulate the heroics of
June 11 against international powers France and England.
France is coming
off of a cautious 1-1 draw against England. A win for Ukraine would put them
through – and in pole position to win the group – but will France’s talent be
too much to overcome? These storylines will be decisive in tonight’s matchup
– France’s set play woes. England’s lone
goal in the opening match came from a free kick, exposing France’s
vulnerability against set pieces. Ominously for Les Blues, Ukraine’s
game-winning goal came from a corner. Further, while France has the advantage
in creativity and technique, the Yellow-Blues have greater size and strength.
Expect Blohkin to do everything in his power to turn this edge into goals.
– Will Ukraine’s defense hold up? Pegged
by many as the Achilles’ heel of the side, the Ukrainian back line rose to the
occasion and kept Sweden in check. Blokhin lamented that despite the win, his
side didn’t execute his game plan. And France presents a different kind of
challenge, however. Whereas Sweden attempted to hit on the break and via long
balls, Les Blues prefer to slowly build, probing for any sign of weakness.
Ukraine’s defenders did look jittery at times on June 11, and any such lapse
against France will be seized upon by a myriad of quality attackers. One
wonders which defensive line Blokhin will choose. A pair of Dynamo Kyiv
defenders as in the Sweden match, or opt for the Shakhtar Donetsk tandem of
Yaroslav Rakitsky and Oleksandr Kucher.
– The importance of structure. In many
ways, a fervent dedication to organization and formation helped Ukraine
overcome first-game nervousness. Instead of being in awe of the moment, faith
in their teammates and tactics allowed the side to stay in the game. Their
structure will be put to the test against the vision and creativity of France, though,
and whether the Yellow-Blues can stay disciplined may be the difference between
a result and a rout.
– Patrice Evra vs. Ukraine’s wingers. The most intriguing tactical battle of the
night will be between the marauding French left back and Ukraine’s pair of
explosive young wingers. Andriy Yarmolenko and Evhen
Konoplyanka tortured the Swedish defense with incisive runs and were a constant
threat. France rely on Evra’s forward runs to provide width to their attack,
but in doing so he often leaves gaps at the back. If Yarmolenko and Konoplyanka
can exploit these openings, Ukraine could grab a vital goal on the
counterattack.
– Does Ukraine go for the win? Three
points would lift the co-hosts into the quarter-finals and give the nation one
of the greatest wins in its history. But a draw would still leave Ukraine well
placed to grab a top two spot, and Blohkin may be content to set his team back
to try to grind out a point. The coach will be well aware of the dangers that
the French attackers pose. With goal difference looming as a tiebreaker and
wary of shattering his underdog side’s confidence, Blohkin won’t want to leave
the Yellow-Blues exposed by over attacking.
