The visitors won 1-0 in the historic first meeting between Ireland and Ukraine in Dublin. Joker Tsigankov and goalkeeper Lunin were decisive.
Ireland’s keeper Kelleher has a hand on the ball but can’t stop the goal making it 0-1.
Sports file via Getty Images
Even before the game started, there was a lot going on in the stadium: countless displays of solidarity with Ukraine could be seen in the stands, in the home and away blocks. The Ukrainian players entered the field surrounded by large national flags, and players from both teams knelt on the field for a few moments before kick-off.
Ireland get off to a good start – Ukraine recovers
At the start of the game, the hosts were quite ambitious and stepped up to Ukraine, who were impressed by lively Irish play. Losing the ball time and time again in his own half, Knight failed to score a great early chance in Lunin (10th), who responded strongly.
Ukraine held on after about a quarter of an hour and entered the game better and better. Granted, neither side had any real chances to score, but the visitors gradually took control of the game and Ireland became increasingly passive. The ball finally rolled into the net in the 37th minute: Kacharaba brilliantly struck the ball into the left corner with his full instep. Ukraine’s joy was short-lived as the goal was disallowed by VAR after Dowby was ruled offside.
So it was goalless in the cabins.
Tsygankov scores from a free kick
After switching sides, the blue and yellow underlined their playful dominance early in the first half: substitute Tsygankov curled a free kick in front of the Irish box from the right wing. The cross didn’t reach any teammates, but it kept going and eventually hit the top left corner (47′).
Ireland tried but failed
As a result, Ukraine continued to control the game and Ireland could not be seen attacking for long. But even the visitors could not create any real scoring chances. However, in the closing stages, the hosts turned up the heat again: first, Duffy Lunin forced a world-class save with a header from close range (80th), and in the final minute the central defender even attempted an onside kick, which, however, was caught by a disciplined Ukrainian defense (90th +4). On the other hand, Tsygankov failed to put the lid on, 90.+5 on the bar.
Objectives and cards
Ireland
Ukraine
The referee team
Game information
The game ended 1-0, meaning the visitors won the first match between Ireland and Ukraine. It was the second defeat in the second Nations League match (League B, Group 1).
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