WCQ 2010 - Europe

Sheva Pen Clinches Win Againt Belarus

A last minute Andrei Shevchenko penalty was enough for Ukraine to claim a victory in their opening World Cup qualifier against Belarus...

Sep 6, 2008 9:18:00 PM

Andryi Shevchenko, Ukraine (Foto Grazia Neri)

Photo Gallery

Zoom

Andryi Shevchenko, Ukraine (Foto Grazia Neri)

Teams

Ukraine managed to get their World Cup qualification campaign off to a winning start thanks to a last-gasp penalty from star striker Andrei Shevchenko.

AC Milan's prodigal son began proceedings on the bench, but entered the fray for the last 15 minutes of play.

The Group 6 clash was a dour affair from start to finish, but both sides reluctant to engage in any meaningful or pursposeful attacks. The game had its only true piece of action, in injury time, when Sheva stroked home a well executed penalty.

Aleksandr Kulchiya handled in the box, and the ex-Chelsea star won the match with the last kick of the game.

Following Ukraine's 1-0 victory over Poland last month, hopes were high for Olexiy Mikhaylichenko's side coming into this fixture with their neighbours. However, the dull nature of the win will increase pressure on the Ukrainians for Wednesday's away clash in Kazahkstan.

Line Ups:

Ukraine (4-4-2): Pyatov - Tymoschuk, Rusol, Voronin, Milevskiy, Yarmash, Kalinichenko, Kravchenko, Nazarenko, Mikhalik, Shevchuk. Subs used - Shevchenko, Aliyev, Seleznov

Belarus (4-4-2): Zhaunou - Strakhanovich, A Hleb, Kulchy, Putlio, Verkhovtsov, Filipenko, Omelyanchuk, Bulyga, Kutuzov, Korytko. Subs used - Pavlov, Chukhlei, V Hleb

Peter Staunton