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Ukraine national football team
International Friendlies
Mar 28, 2016 at 7pm UK
 
Wales national football team

1-0

FT(HT: 1-0)

Live Commentary: Ukraine 1-0 Wales - as it happened

Relive Ukraine's 1-0 victory over Wales as Andriy Yarmolenko scores the only goal of the Euro 2016 warm-up match in Kiev.
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Wales' final Euro 2016 warm-up match before the squads are chosen for the tournament ended in defeat this evening as Ukraine ran out 1-0 winners in Kiev.

Andriy Yarmolenko scored the only goal of the game at the Olympic Stadium, firing past Wayne Hennessey with a first-time volley on the turn.

It was a match of few chances for either side as Ukraine stubbornly held on to their lead to pick up the victory.

Find out how all of the action unfolded courtesy of Sports Mole's live minute-by-minute coverage below.


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Good evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for tonight's international friendly between Ukraine and Wales. It promises to be a big night for a number of the players on show as they look to make a good last impression on their respective managers, with no further games before the squads for Euro 2016 are chosen. Let's take a look at the two teams that have been picked tonight...

UKRAINE STARTING XI: Pyatov; Khacheridi, Kucher, Stepanenko, Yarmolenko, Zozulya, Shevchuk, Rotan, Fedetskiy, Garmash, Kovalenko

WALES STARTING XI: Hennessey; Taylor, Davies, A Williams, Chester, Gunter; Huws, Allen, J Williams; Lawrence, Church

What can we make of those two teams, then? Well, Ukraine have only made three changes to the side that beat Cyprus on Thursday, which is perhaps an indication that manager Mikhail Fomenko is fairly set on many of the players he will take with him to Euro 2016. Khacheridi, Pyatov and Kovalenko all come into the team, with Putivtsev, Boyko and Husyev the men to make way. The danger man for the hosts tonight will be Yarmolenko, who scored in both legs of Ukraine's playoff win over Slovenia.

As for Wales, they have made six changes and have also switched their formation back to the system they used for much of the qualifying campaign, with five at the back. There are a number of notable absentees, such as Bale, Ramsey, Robson-Kanu and Ledley, but many of the team tonight could well be starters in the first Euro 2016 outing in June. Leading the line for the visitors tonight is Church, who came off the bench to score a late leveller from the penalty spot against Northern Ireland on Thursday.

Ukraine will no doubt be pleased to see no Bale or Ramsey on the team sheet as they look to protect what is a mightily impressive record in friendlies in recent years. They have not lost any of their last 12 home and away - a run that stretches all the way back to a June 2012 defeat to Turkey. Admittedly, the opposition they have faced in that time has not been of the highest calibre, but it is still a good record at this level.

Things are even better looking solely at home form, where Ukraine are unbeaten in friendlies since September 2011, when Uruguay won 3-2. They have won eight and drawn five of their 13 home friendlies since that defeat - a run of form largely to do with a mean defensive record in front of their own fans. They have kept 13 clean sheets in their last 19 home games, losing just two of those matches and winning 13 - including four of the last five.

Indeed, Ukraine having conceded more than one goal in a home match since they hosted the last European Championship four years ago, when France won 2-0 in a group game. It is that defensive solidity that makes them a tricky prospect for any side, particularly away from home. Only three teams in European Championship qualifying conceded fewer goals than Fomenko's side, with Ukraine shipping just four from their 10 outings.

Even that wasn't enough to see them through automatically, however. Ukraine could only manage a third-place finish in Group C of qualifying, behind both Spain and Slovakia with 19 points from their 10 games. However, their only two defeats after matchday one came against Spain - the reigning European champions - and they come into this match having lost just one game in the past year. That includes the playoff double-header against Slovenia, which Ukraine won 3-1 on aggregate thanks to a 2-0 win in the first leg and a 1-1 draw in the away reverse.

They have their work cut out for them in the tournament itself, though, having arguably been drawn in the toughest group alongside world champions Germany, Poland and Northern Ireland. Tonight's match should give them experience of playing against a home nation ahead of that match against Northern Ireland - and they are actually unbeaten in six previous home games against home nations - but it is the ties against Germany and Poland which will ask the biggest questions of Ukraine.

Wales' hopes of getting out of their group should be a little higher, although that will not be straightforward either. England will probably go into the group as favourites to progress, but there shouldn't be much to separate Wales from Russia and Slovakia, the latter of whom enjoyed a fine qualifying campaign for the most part. It is uncharted territory for everyone involved in the Wales set-up, though, having not reached a major international tournament since the days on John Charles in the 1958 World Cup.

They were impressive enough in qualifying to suggest that they have a chance of doing well, though, particularly if key players such as Bale and Ramsey are on form. Only Belgium finished above Chris Coleman's side in Group B, and like Ukraine they conceded only four goals along the way. The concern will be at the other end, and if Bale doesn't get the goals then Wales need to find someone else to chip in. They managed only 11 from 10 games in qualifying, and only Albania of the qualified teams had a worse record.

They don't come into this match in particularly good form either. They may have only lost two of their last 12 outings, but both defeats have come in the last four games and a 2-0 victory over Andorra in their final qualifying game is their only victory in their last five matches. Away from home things are a little better, with Wales having only lost one of their last five and kept three clean sheets in that time, but that solitary defeat was in their most recent away outing.

They have, however, not won a friendly away from home since November 2008, when Craig Bellamy got the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over Denmark. They have conceded exactly two goals in four of their last five friendlies on their travels, while home and away they have only won one of their last six, which came more than two years ago.

PREDICTION: We're nearing kickoff at the Olympic Stadium, which means that it is time for a prediction! The result may not be the most important thing tonight, but both sets of players will be desperate to make a good impression. Both have named fairly strong teams and it should be a good contest, although Ukraine's home record suggests that there won't be many goals. That, coupled with Wales missing some key players, leads me to lean towards a 1-0 win for the hosts.

These two sides have only met twice before, with both matches ending as 1-1 draws in qualifying for the 2002 World Cup. John Hartson and Mark Pembridge got the goals for Wales in either leg, while Shevchenko and Zubov were the scorers for Ukraine.

KICKOFF: Wales get us underway in Kiev as they look to become the first visiting side to win an away friendly against Ukraine since 2011.

Low-key start to the game as both sides enjoy a decent amount of the ball and look to settle into the match. Both are looking to get the ball forward fairly quickly in the opening exchanges, though.

Wales really are looking to keep things going at a good tempo in the early exchanges here. They are restarting the game as soon as they can and looking to play quickly when they get in possession.

Still no chances to report here, but it certainly isn't being played like a meaningful friendly. You can see that both sets of players are eager to make that good impression.

Wales win the first corner of the night, but the less said about Allen's delivery the better. He puts far too much on it and Wales are forced to play it all the way back to Hennessey.

This time Ukraine win a set piece in a good crossing position, with Jonny Williams fouling Kovalenko. What can the hosts come up with?

Rotan puts the ball into a decent area, but Wales defend it well and no blue shirts can get on the end of the free kick as it goes straight behind for a goal kick.

CHANCE! The first sight of goal falls the way of Wales as a pass is zipped in to Lawrence just inside the area. He has found a bit of space and his first touch is good too, but his eventual strike is tipped over.

We're quarter of an hour into this match now and Chris Coleman will be the happier of the two managers so far. Wales have seen plenty of the ball and are looking bright, while Hennessey has had nothing to do yet.

Pyatov has to be alert to race off his line here and clear the danger from outside the area. Church was just a yard or so short of getting there first and having a clear goalscoring chance, but the keeper did well.

Another good crossing opportunity for Wales here as Williams wins a free kick on the right side of the field...

Allen swings it into the middle and Ukraine don't quite get it clear at first, but the ball drops kindly for the hosts and are able to launch a counter which Wales work hard to cut out.

Ukraine have put in a number of robust challenges which are breaking the game up a bit, and the referee has just given Khacheridi a final warning. It may be a friendly, but the first card of the evening may not be too far away.

YELLOW CARD! Indeed, there is the card. It goes to Garmash for a trip in midfield, and it is a message from the ref that he won't tolerate the persistent fouling.

A bit of handbags between Ashley Williams and Zozulya here as they get involved in a tangle with each other. This one is getting a little spiky!

Very nearly a chance for Ukraine as a long ball over the top almost sets Kovalenko through. Hennessey is a little hesitant in coming off his line, but he just about gets there first.

GOAL! Ukraine 1-0 Wales (Andriy Yarmolenko)

First blood goes to Ukraine, and it must be said that it is against the run of play. It is a clever goal too as Rotan, with everyone expected him to go for goal from a free kick, clips it into the box instead. Yarmolenko finds himself in acres of space having escaped his marker, but he still has a lot to do. His finish is a smart one as he hits it first time on a turn to squeeze it past Hennessey, who perhaps should do better.

That was too easy for Ukraine to score then, and those are the types of lapses that Wales can't afford at Euro 2016. They have been the better team so far, but now find themselves behind.

Already it looks as though Ukraine are happy to sit back after that goal. I mentioned their defensive record before the match, and now they have a lead to protect too. We may not see much adventure from them for the rest of this match.

Wales have been decent in possession so far this evening, but they are lacking a bit of a cutting edge in the final third. Pyatov is yet to be seriously tested, despite the visitors having been on top for the most part.

Ukraine have seen more of the ball since that goal, almost as if it has settled them into the match. Once again, there is rarely much adventure in their passing, but they have an element of control over the game now.

YELLOW CARD! Khacheridi becomes the second name in the book tonight for a mistimed, lunging challenge on Williams. He can have no complaints at picking up a yellow there.

Lawrence is given the resulting free kick, but he fires it high and wide of the target. That was a poor effort in a good position for the visitors.

I wouldn't be too surprised to see Coleman go to his bench at half time. Even if this wasn't a friendly, the visitors have not offered enough going forward considering the amount of the ball that they have seen tonight.

Ukraine control in the game has also increased since their opening goal, with the hosts seeing more and more of the ball. They are also doing their best to disrupt Wales whenever possible with fouls to prevent them from getting into any sort of rhythm.

HALF TIME: Ukraine 1-0 Wales

The referee brings an end to the first half in Kiev, and it is the hosts who go into the break with the lead despite being on the back foot for much of the opening 45 minutes. Wales have been the better team, but chances have been few and far between for both sides. Ukraine were clinical for their one and only chance, though, and lead at the halfway stage as a result.

It was Andriy Yarmolenko who got the goal for the home side, and while it was a smart finish from the attacker, Wales will be disappointed by a number of aspects of it. Rotan clipped a free kick over the wall and Yarmolenko lost his marker far too easily before hitting a first-time volley on the turn. Hennessey got two hands to it but couldn't keep it out having not been tested at all up to that point.

Andriy Yarmolenko celebrates scoring the opener during the international friendly between Ukraine and Wales on March 28, 2016© Getty Images


Wales may have played well, but they have lacked a cutting edge in the final third and can only point to one real sight of goal from that opening 45 minutes. That arrived in the 13th minute as Gunter fired a pass in to Lawrence, whose first touch was good to take him into the box. He delayed his shot a little, though, and his eventual effort was tipped over by the keeper, although it may have been going too high anyway.

That is about all there has been to shout about in terms of attacking chances for either side. Wales have enjoyed plenty of possession, but Ukraine have done something of a spoiling job to prevent the visitors from getting into too much of a rhythm by committing a number of fouls. Jonathan Williams in particular seems to have been targeted a little, which is helping the hosts to stunt Wales' attacking potential.

KICKOFF: Ukraine get us back underway for the second half in Kiev, and interestingly there have been no changes for either side at half time - something of a rarity for friendlies at international level.

Wales make a couple of errors in quick succession at the start of this second half, the second of which gives Ukraine a four-on-three situation deep in the Wales half. However, the offside flag goes up against Yarmolenko and Wales get away with it.

YELLOW CARD! Another card is shown to a Ukraine player, this time to Fedetskiy for a foul on Taylor.

The resulting free kick is sent in towards Chester, but Pyatov collects it and immediately launches a counter. Ukraine are down at the other end within the blink of an eye, but this time Hennessey does the job at the other end to collect a cross.

A rare shot for Wales as Huws lines one up from a long way out, but his effort is a long way from troubling Pyatov.

Wales really are missing the likes of Bale and Ramsey in the final third. I mentioned before the game that someone else needs to step up in the goalscoring stakes with Bale absent, but that has not looked like happening so far tonight.

SHOT! Yarmolenko looks to double his personal tally as he dips inside before looking to blast one into the top corner, but he fires it a few yards over the crossbar.

SAVE! Pyatov has a rare piece of action as Allen fires a swerving strike towards goal from 30 yards. The Ukraine keeper isn't entirely convincing in dealing with it, but gets his fists to the ball to at least keep it out.

CLOSE! This is a bit more like it from both sides! Again it is a set piece that causes Wales problems here as the ball is swung in from a free kick by Rotan, and Kucher flicks his header narrowly past the far post.

UKRAINE SUB: The first change of the night comes from the hosts as Rotan is replaced by Sergey Sydorchuk.

WALES SUBS: Wales follow with their first changes of the evening too as Sam Vokes and Shaun MacDonald replace Jonathan Williams and Church.

CHANCE! Chance for Wales as Allen whips a ball into the middle having seen his corner cleared at the near post. Chester climbs highest at the back post to connect with the second ball, but he can't get enough on his header to trouble the keeper.

There have been more sights of goal so far in this second half, with both teams beginning to show a little more attacking intent. Still not exactly a busy game for either keeper, though!

WALES SUB: Another change for the visitors here as Ashley Williams is replaced by Jazz Richards.

Almost a howler from Hennessey here as when completely slices a back-pass that sends the ball spinning dangerously straight up into the sky. He is immediately under pressure from blue shirts as a result, but atones for his error by collecting the ball before any further damage is done.

Just 20 minutes remain for Wales to get back into this match, but while they have shown a little more in the final third in this second half, there haven't been too many signs that they are on the verge of a breakthrough, it must be said.

WALES SUBS: More changes from Chris Coleman here as Lawrence and Taylor are replaced by Adam Henley and Tom Bradshaw, the latter of whom makes his Wales debut.

Wales needed a late goal to rescue a draw against Northern Ireland last time out, and it is looking like they will need that again here. Ukraine have done a decent job of keeping the Welsh attackers at bay all evening and, as things stand, Ukraine are on course for another clean sheet.

YELLOW CARD! Richards becomes the first Welsh name in the book for a heavy challenge, which he can't have many complaints about.

Huws, who is about to be taken off, looks to make one last impression first as he goes for goal from range. It is a decent strike too, but it hits his own man on the way through and the ball deflects a few yards wide.

WALES SUB: That is indeed Huws's final action as he is replaced by Joe Ledley.

Still Wales look for that elusive equaliser, but Ukraine have defended their penalty area really well tonight. Wales have been impressive up to the final third, but beyond there Pyatov has been very well protected.

Important interception from Henley as he is alive to the danger when the ball broke to Yarmolenko. The goalscorer had green grass in front of him and looked to be through on goal, but Henley got a crucial foot in.

Wales have a chance to swing the ball into the box, but Allen's delivery is cleared away and again Ukraine are able to stave off a decent attacking platform for the visitors. Time is running out now!

CHANCE! Half a chance for Wales late on as Bradshaw flicks a header on inside the box and Vokes reacts quickly to get a header of his own in. He puts too much on it, though, and it goes behind for a goal kick.

There will be three minutes of added time at the end of this match.

SAVE! Some late work for Pyatov to do here as Richards drives a low strike towards the bottom near corner from a tight angle that the keeper had to shovel wide for a corner.

CHANCE! Another chance for the visitors from the resulting corner as Bradshaw wins the header and nods it downwards, but once again Pyatov is there to make the save.

FULL TIME: Ukraine 1-0 Wales

Ukraine hold out for the victory in this Euro 2016 warm-up match, then, but there are certainly positives for Wales to take from the match despite their defeat. Andriy Yarmolenko's first-half strike proved to be the difference, and Wales most certainly missed the threat of Gareth Bale in the final third, but credit must also go to the hosts for how well they defended their lead. There are no further matches for either side before the Euro 2016 squads are chosen, so Chris Coleman and Mikhail Fomenko must now work on finalising those 23-man rosters!

That is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for tonight's friendly as Ukraine squeeze past Wales in Ukraine. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction too. From me, though, it is goodbye for now!

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