Ukraine have played the decisive 2022 World Cup qualification match against Bosnia and Herzegovina away and reached the playoffs stage.
Before the final matchday, it wasn’t all in Ukrainians’ hands. The Yellow-Blues had to defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina away and hope that Finland wouldn’t beat France at home ground. Besides, in case of score draw in Helsinki, Petrakov’s men would have needed a victory by at least two goals.
Four FC Dynamo Kyiv players were in Ukraine starting lineup – Heorhiy Bushchan, Olexandr Tymchyk, Illia Zabarnyi and Viktor Tsyhankov.
The first half was goalless. Moreover, Bushchan totally saved the team seconds before the whistle.
The Yellow-Blues had to score after the break and they did in the 59th minute. Tsyhankov put a low cross into the box and Zinchenko hit the target.
And then, in the 66th minute, France opened the score in Helsinki.
Later Ukraine increased the lead. Kyivan Mykola Shaparenko, who made a substitute appearance in the second half, found Dovbyk with a long ball and Artem made it 2:0 in one-on-one situation.
Two more Dynamo representatives took the field after the break – Serhiy Sydorchuk and Olexandr Karavayev.
Meanwhile France defeated Finland 0:2. So, Ukrainians reach the qualification playoffs. The drawing ceremony will take place on November 26.
* photo – UAF
