Ireland – Ukraine

The Ukraine national team are capable of taking points in their first match in the Nations League

The Ukraine national team's tour of the British Isles ends in Ireland. In contrast to previous encounters, this one will take place as part of the Nations League. It must be recalled that previously, the Ukrainians had played the rescheduled World Cup qualifying games. Aleksandr Petrakov's charges managed to defeat Scotland in the first game, but lost narrowly to Wales in the decisive game for qualification to the World Cup. "The Yellow and Blue were objectively no worse than the Welsh, but the outcome was decided by an unfortunate own goal scored by the national team captain Andriy Yarmolenko. The Ukraine national team 'outplayed' their opponents, and could also complain about the referee's unfair decision. Thus, towards the end of the first half, a penalty kick was not awarded for the foul on Yarmolenko. However, the outcome was unchangeable. Petrakov's charges may be disappointed with the result, but not with the content. Despite extraordinary preparation for this series, the team are performing at their best. And in general, it should be noted that before the game against Wales, the Ukrainians had last lost back at UEFA EURO 2021 to Great Britain. The Irish team have already made a start in the Nations League. Stephen Kenny's side suffered a narrow defeat away to Armenia in their opening game. The relationship of the Boys in Green with this tournament as a whole is not the most warm one. Last time this tournament the team got three points, drawing three times in the group against Wales, Finland and Bulgaria. Only a poor display from the latter allowed the Irish to keep their place in Division B. The team can boast a draw against Portugal in the World Cup qualifiers, but it has not helped them in any way in terms of the standings. Victories in recent matches have been won against lower tier opponents. In the last ten home games, for example, there have been two such victories over Qatar and Lithuania. What are the prospects for the Boys in Green in this draw? About the same as in the past (survival struggle). Yes, we should expect some rotation from Aleksandr Petrakov: the team cannot play a third game with the same lineup. However, this will hardly affect the mood of his team. "The yellow and blue are playing for the whole country and obviously want to rehabilitate themselves for a disappointing loss to the Welsh. Despite fatigue, the Ukraine national team will not concede in this game.