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Ukraine
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| HOW THEY QUALIFIED |
As one of the two host nations, Ukraine automatically qualified for Euro 2012.
| FRIENDLY RESULTS |
TOP SCORERS IN 2011 & 2012 |
| Feb 8, 2011: Romania 2-2 Ukraine Mar 29, 2011: Ukraine 0-2 Italy Jun 1, 2011: Ukraine 2-0 Uzbekistan Jun 6, 2011: Ukraine 1-4 France Aug 10, 2011: Ukraine 0-1 Sweden Sep 2, 2011: Ukraine 2-3 Uruguay Sep 6, 2011: Czech Rep 4-0 Ukraine Oct 7, 2011: Ukraine 3-0 Bulgaria Oct 11, 2011: Estonia 0-2 Ukraine Nov 11, 2011: Ukraine 3-3 Germany Nov 15, 2011: Ukraine 2-1 Austria Ferb 29, 2012: Israel 2-3 Ukraine May 28, 2012: Ukraine 4-0 Estonia |
 5 - Andriy Yarmolenko3 - Yevgen Konoplyanka, Ole Gusev, Artem Milevsky 2 - Anatoly Tymoshchuk, Andriy Voronin 1 - Yaroslav Rakytskyy, Yevgen Selin, Andriy Shevchenko, Oleksandr Aliyev, Serhiy Nazarenko, Marko Devic |
The announcement in April 2007 that Ukraine would host the European Championships alongside Poland sealed both sides’ path to next summer’s tournament. Since failing to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Ukraine have had to make do with numerous friendlies.
The side’s preparations were disrupted with the August 2010 resignation of coach Myron Markevych, who left the national team on “moral grounds” after claiming the club side he was also managing, Metalist Kharkiv, were being unfairly targeted by the Ukrainian Football Federation (FFU). Yuriy Kalitvintsev took temporary charge of the side for eight matches until the legendary figure of Oleg Blokhin was installed as coach for the forthcoming tournament back in April 2011.
| PAST RECORD IN THE EUROS |
| 1960 |
Did not enter (part of USSR) |
1988 |
Did not enter (part of USSR) |
| 1964 |
Did not enter (part of USSR) | 1992 |
Did not enter (part of USSR) |
| 1968 |
Did not enter (part of USSR) | 1996 |
Did not qualify |
| 1972 |
Did not enter (part of USSR) | 2000 |
Did not qualify |
| 1976 |
Did not enter (part of USSR) | 2004 |
Did not qualify |
| 1980 |
Did not enter (part of USSR) | 2008 |
Did not qualify |
| 1984 |
Did not enter (part of USSR) | 2012 |
Qualified as co-hosts |
Ukraine have an undistinguished history in the European Championships having never qualified for the tournament before. This can, of course, be partly contributed to their short footballing history, having first competed in a qualifying campaign for the 1996 edition of the competition. On that occasion they finished fourth in a group that included Italy and Croatia.
Four years later Euro 2000 brought play-off heartbreak as Slovenia beat them 3-2 over two legs in a clash that is best remembered for Milenko Acimovic’s incredible long-range goal for the hosts in Ljubljana. More frustration was to follow in 2004 as the Ukrainian side finished third behind Spain and eventual tournament winners Greece. The 2008 campaign then saw Ukraine disappointingly placed fourth behind Italy, France and Scotland in qualifying Group B. The Ukrainians finishing nine points off the qualification places.
| THE MANAGER | OLEG BLOKHIN |
This is Oleg Blokhin’s second stint in charge of the Ukrainian national side having previously led his country to their first ever World Cup appearance back in 2006. They progressed through to the quarter-final stage in Germany before being knocked out by eventual winners Italy. His club CV is far from impressive, but the experience of 2006 meant that few opposed his reinstatement as coach.
As a player, Blokhin was a wonderfully athletic forward and a key figure in the outstanding Dynamo Kiev sides of the 1970s and 80s. Despite winning 112 caps for the USSR over a 16 year international career, he never appeared in the finals of the European Championships.
| THE CAPTAIN | ANDRIY SHEVCHENKO |
The captaincy has been passed between Andriy Shevchenko and Anatoliy Tymoshchuk during the preparations for the tournament, with Blokhin experimenting with different variations of 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1. If he can secure a starting berth, the former Milan forward is likely to be handed the armband.
The 35-year-old Dynamo Kiev striker needs little introduction. Named European Footballer of the Year in 2004, Shevchenko helped lead Dynamo to the semi-finals of the Champions League in 1999, before a highly productive seven-year spell in Italy with AC Milan. His influence is now on the wane, but he remains a big personality in the side. Four more goals will see him hit the half century mark for his country.
| THE STAR PLAYER | ANATOLIY TYMOSHCHUK |
Named his country's 'best-ever footballer' in 2011, Anataloiy Tymoshchuk is not the most eye-catching player, but certainly is one of the most effective on the pitch.
The defensive midfielder, who made his debut 12 years ago, is the all-time leader in appearances for the national team, closing in on 120 caps for his country going into Euro 2012.
The 33-year-old's versatility, which also allows him to play as a centre-back as he often does for club side Bayern Munich, and relentless effort arguably makes him the biggest asset that coach Blokhin has at his disposal.
| THE EMERGING TALENT | YEVGEN KONOPLYANKA |
There is perhaps still more bark than bite in this 22-year-old Dnipro forward, but his inclusion in the side does give them an added dimension. Wonderfully poised in possession, he dribbles at defenders with speed and accuracy. Blokhin has tended to employ him on the left side of the attack, allowing him to use that dribbling and eye-catching acceleration to provide a goal threat cutting infield.
Still not consistent in his output, some further refinement of his talents are required, but the skill and confidence shown in his goal during November's 3-3 draw with Germany - where he ran from inside his own half to round the opposition goalkeeper - gave an indication of the raw materials at his disposal.
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Matches
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| FR | Ukraine - Cameroon | 6/2/13 1:00 AM BST |
| WCQ | Montenegro - Ukraine | 6/7/13 1:00 AM BST |
| FR | Ukraine - Israel | 8/14/13 1:00 AM BST |
| WCQ | Ukraine - San Marino | 9/6/13 1:00 AM BST |
| WCQ | Ukraine - England | 9/10/13 1:00 AM BST |
| WCQ | Ukraine - Poland | 10/11/13 1:00 AM BST |
| WCQ | San Marino - Ukraine | 10/15/13 1:00 AM BST |
Active Tournaments
Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Andriy Yarmolenko
Striker Dynamo Kiev |
2 | 0 |
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Roman Zozulya
Striker Ukraine U21 |
1 | 0 |
|
Yevhen Konoplyanka
Midfielder Dnipro |
1 | 0 |
|
Yevhen Khacheridi
Defender Dynamo Kiev |
1 | 0 |
|
Oleh Husyev
Midfielder Dynamo Kiev |
1 | 0 |
