WROCLAW, Poland — Ukraine ended England’s good report in 2024 European Championship qualifying after Oleksandr Zinchenko’s first-half aim helped safe a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
Zinchenko put Ukraine forward with a side-footed end within the twenty sixth minute earlier than Kyle Walker equalized together with his first aim for England, on his 77th look, within the forty first.
The Ukrainian followers celebrated as if it was a win after the ultimate whistle, with the gamers applauding the supporters in return. The crew is taking part in all its “home” video games in Poland due to the battle towards Russia.
“An amazing result for us. England are one of the best teams in the world,” Zinchenko mentioned. “The atmosphere was unbelievable. It felt like we played at home. I really hope very soon we can play at home.”
England had gained its first 4 qualifiers and nonetheless has a agency grip on Group C with 13 factors. Ukraine is second on seven factors having performed one sport fewer.
Ukraine took the lead on a fast counterattack as Yukhym Konoplya obtained the ball on the combat flank and squared the ball for Zinchenko, who obtained away from his Arsenal teammate Declan Rice to attain contained in the close to publish.
PHOTOS: Zinchenko scores as Ukraine holds England to 1-1 attract European Championship qualifying
It was Ukraine’s solely shot on track within the sport.
Harry Kane created the equalizer for England with an outstanding ball excessive of the protection to pick Walker as he raced into the realm, and the fullback managed the ball with one contact earlier than choosing his spot to beat goalkeeper Georgiy Bushchan.
“It’s just a relief,” Walker mentioned about getting his first aim. “It’s been on my mind. But now I can tick that off, I’ve done it, and I’ve finally got an England goal.”
There have been few high quality possibilities within the second half however Bukayo Saka hit the crossbar with a curling shot from distance, after which had penalty appeals waved away after one other shot was blocked by a defender’s arm.
Harry Maguire had an opportunity to attain the winner within the eighty fifth when the ball fell to him within the field after a free kick, however he was booked for a foul after lunging in and solely making contact with Bushchan.
The sport was performed in the identical stadium the place Ukrainian heavyweight boxer Oleksandr Usyk defeated British challenger Daniel Dubois two weeks in the past.
Ukraine misplaced 2-0 to England at Wembley in March, however coach Serhiy Rebrov has now overseen two wins and a attract qualifying since taking up in June.
“The players (produced) a very good celebration for the people,” Rebrov mentioned. “There is a very good atmosphere inside the stadium. No-one wants to go home.”
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