The penalty kick performed by Yevhen Konoplyanka did not allow “blue-yellow” to win the first match under the leadership of Andriy Shevchenko.
The new coach was surprised by the starting lineup – the basis was not a single nominal forward, and at the point of attack alternately appeared Zinchenko, Yarmolenko and Kovalenko.
The first serious outing of Icelanders ended the goal – Butko could not stand the line and let Finnbogason to escape to the meeting with Pyatov. The goalkeeper first parried the blow, but then followed by an offensive rebound from the driver and the forward’s shot of guests at the empty goal.
Ukrainians noticeably nervous and soon almost conceded the second goal. Toward the end of the half, the hosts took the initiative and evened the score with a long shot from Rakitskiy handled Halldorsson, but on the rebound first was Yarmolenko.
In the second half, “blue-yellow” almost were not allowed Icelanders to your box, however, in positional attacks in the special chances the hosts had. Long shot Kovalenko, dangerous passages Sable and Linnets all the half chances eliminated by the opposition goalkeeper. In the 85th minute of Halldorsson have had no chance to save his team, but Konoplyanka’s penalty not hit the empty corner. Naturally 1:1, but it was a chance to snatch victory…
Ukraine — Iceland 1:1
Goals: Yarmolenko, 41 — Finnbogason, 6
Ukraine: Pyatov — Butko, Rakitskiy, Kucher, Sable — Sydorchuk (Zozulya, 63), Stepanenko, Yarmolenko, Zinchenko (Shakhov, 90), Linnet — Kovalenko
Iceland: Halldorsson — Severson, Arnason, R. Sigurdsson, Skulason (Magnusson, 42) — Gudmundsson (Hallfredsson, 84), Gunnarsson, Sigurdsson, Bjarnason (Traustason, 75) — Finnbogason, Bodvarsson
Booked: Kucher — Gunnarsson, Finnbogason
On the 85th minute penalty Linnet (bar)
Finland – Kosovo 1:1
Goals: Arajuuri, 18 – Berisha, 60 (penalty)
Croatia – Turkey 1:1
Goals: Rakitic, 44 (penalty) Calanog, 45+3
Standings: Ukraine, Finland, Kosovo, Iceland, Croatia, Turkey – 1.
