Ukraine display renewed threat

Revamp
Runners-up in 2001 and 2003 before reaching the last four two years ago, Ukraine have a proud record in this competition. But key players including Serhiy Koridze, the leading scorer in the 2001 and 2003 finals, have now retired meaning a revamp to the team with the likes of Serhiy Taranchuk and Oleksandr Khursov featuring in their first major event. Despite some mixed warm-up results, though, Ukraine sparkled in Andorra, defeating Israel 3-0 and Slovakia 7-2 to wrap up first place with a game to spare, but celebrated by beating the home side 9-2.

Duo impress
The established Serhiy Sytin struck twice against Slovakia and Andorra to top score in the mini-tournament with four goals, but Taranchuk and Khursov both impressed in totaling three and every outfield player registered at some point. "This qualifying tournament was the most important competition I have played so far," said Taranchuk. "Before this, I didn't have much international experience, except for playing in the student world championships. Now I am dreaming about a trip to the final tournament."

Goalkeeping trio
In defence Lisenchuk also has fine resources, conceding only four times and able to field all three of his goalkeepers. No1 Vladyslav Kornyeyev suffered a hand injury after the Slovakia game, so Yevgen Ivanyak and Dmytro Lytvynenko each played a half against Andorra. Ivanyak, indeed, had already lined up against Israel, and in his half-hour playing time over two matches was unbeaten.

Work pays off
All of this gives Lisenchuk reason for optimism. "To summarise the results of qualifying, I can say that a new team is born," he said. "Half a year of work did yield results, and we produced excellent performances just when it was needed. The coaching staff certainly has players to rely on and leaders to build the team around. There is a lot of work to do before the finals and we will be working for example on pressing, because the level of competition in Portugal will be much higher. The detailed plan will be ready after 12 May, when the draw occurs."