Ukraine national team have played the third friendly while getting ready for the 2022 World Cup playoff and the Nations League.
The following day after the match against Empoli, the Yellow-Blues went to Croatia, where they faced local side HNK Rijeka.
Five FC Dynamo Kyiv representatives took the field in the starting lineup this time – goalkeeper Heorhiy Bushchan, defender Olexandr Syrota, halfbacks Serhiy Sydorchuk, Vitaliy Buialskyi and Denys Harmash. Sydorchuk was the team captain. Forward Artem Besedin made substitute appearance after the break. Viktor Tsyhankov went off the bench for the final 10 minutes.
In the 24th minute, Buialskyi put a cross from the right side and Harmash hit the top corner from inside the penalty area.
Late in the first half Rijeka equalized. Home side used Ukrainian defenders’ mistake and Drmic sent the ball into the net from close range after rebound from the post.
Early in the second half Besedin appeared in one-on-one situation, goalkeeper put him on the ground, Zubkov obtained the ball and scored, but the goal was disallowed as Besedin was offside.
Harmash had another chance in the 83rd minute as he attempted from unpromising angle after heel pass from Buialskyi. Rijeka responded as Stojkovic hit the post.
Dynamo players had two more opportunities in a stoppage time, but keeper parried Buialskyi’s header while Tsyhankov missed the chance to shoot from a decent position.
So, after two victories, Olexandr Petrakov’s men play in a draw.
Friendly
Rijeka – Ukraine – 1:1
Ukraine: Bushchan (Riznyk, 46), Konoplia, Bondar, Kacharaba, Syrota, Sydorchuk (c), Buialskyi, Harmash, Zubkov (Tsyhankov, 79), Sikan (Mudryk, 79), Dovbyk (Besedin, 46).
Goals: Drmic (37) – Harmash (24, Buialskyi)
Photo – UAF
