Ukraine and Russia make semi-finals

By Paul Saffer

Ukraine gained their first ever competitive victory against neighbours Russia to grab first place in Group A, but both teams are into the UEFA European Futsal Championship semi-finals in Ostrava.

Czech defeat
Finalists in the last two editions, Ukraine were in danger of elimination before kick-off. But their victory saw them through, and the defeat of the Czech Republic by the previously point-less Netherlands ensured Russia join them, behind Ukraine on head-to-head record. Russia now meet holders Italy, while Ukraine face world champions Spain on Friday in a rematch of the 2001 final.

Shayakhmetev out
Russia received a late blow before the game as Vladislav Shayakhmetev, scorer of three goals in their two group wins, was ruled out with a toe injury. Ukraine were able to welcome back Oleh Shaytanov after his suspension from the defeat to the Dutch for a red card in loss to the hosts.

Early efforts
Ukraine were the team more in need of victory and began brightly, Koridze threatening twice in the opening two minutes and then setting up Serhiy Sytin to shoot wide. At the other end Iouri Korol forced Olexiy Popov to save.

Ukraine ahead
Artem Kovalyov then curled the ball just off target and with space appearing in the Russian defence Sytin pounced to open the scoring, turning and shooting strongly past Sergei Zouev. Russia, behind for the first time in these finals, now needed to attack in case the Czechs won, and Korol was unlucky when the ball bounced behind him in front of goal.

Popov alert
Sytin was full of confidence, making Zouev save in the eleventh and then, on the rebound, his shot was blocked. But Popov also had to be alert when Damir Khamadiyev sent in an angled effort late in the half.

Lead doubles
Russia opened strongly after the break, Aleksandr Foukine threatening and testing Popov. But against the run of play, Ukraine won a free-kick and Koridze's effort was deflected in by the luckless Russia captain Mikhail Markin. Sytin then hit the post, but Russia then regained their shape with Konstantin Douchkevitch a particular threat.

Stepanov save
Holes did appear at the other end and only the emerging Pavel Stepanov, on for Zouev, denied Kudlay on the break. Popov was in inspired form to keep Russia out, and as Ukraine counterattacked again, Shaytanov hit the post.

Russian hope
Most of the pressure was on Popov, though, and he was playing superbly. Another break saw Mykhaylo Romanov strike the post, but moments later Ivanov's cross was turned in by Damir Khamadiyev. As time began to tick away, Douchkevitch so nearly did the same from another Ivanov centre.

Victory confirmed
Khamadiyev then sent a shot fractionally wide, but the Ukrainian defence was rewarded for their tenacity as the final whistle went to confirm their victory against the 1999 champions, though both are back in action in the semi-finals on Friday.

Starting lineup
Ukraine: Olexiy Popov, Serhiy Koridze, Serhiy Sytin, Fedir Pylypiv and Olexiy Kudlay.
Russia: Sergei Zouev, Aleksandr Foukine, Sergei Malychev, Sergei Ivanov and Mikhail Markin.