Memorable November for Ukraine
Friday, December 3, 2004
Article summary
Monthly review: Political events have overshadowed a superb month for Ukrainian football.
Article body
By Igor Linnyk
While November 2004 will most likely be remembered for the disputed election that brought protestors on to the streets in Ukraine, it was also a good month for football in the country.
Famous victory
A great 3-0 victory against Turkey put Oleg Blokhin's national team on top of FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 2, while Andriy Shevchenko - scorer of two goals in Istanbul - is in contention for both the world and European Footballer of the Year awards. Moreover, both FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk and FC Dynamo Kyiv are certain of playing in Europe after Christmas.
European success
If Dynamo can avoid defeat against Bayer 04 Leverkusen in their Matchday 6 game at the BayArena, they will reach the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League. Even if all the results go against them, however, they are still certain of a place in the UEFA Cup along with Dnipro, who have won three of their four Group C games in the competition.
Fabulous third
Mircea Lucescu's FC Shakhtar Donetsk could also steal a place in the UEFA Cup next spring if they get a better result than Celtic FC in their final Champions League game. Having two Ukrainian clubs in Europe so late in the season is unprecedented; three survivors would be an exceptional achievement.
Domestic competition
Back at home, competition for the league title remains fierce. Shakhtar have a narrow lead over Dynamo at the top of the table after winning a postponed game at FC Volyn Lutsk 3-1. Third-placed FC Metalurh Donetsk can also feel satisfied with their work this autumn. Slavoljub Muslin's team are still within three points of the summit, with an eye on one of the three European places on offer to the sides which finish in the top three in the Premier League.
Cup quartet
The Ukrainian Cup may also be a handy back route into Europe for one team. While Dynamo and Shakhtar have predictably made it to the last four, fellow semi-finalists Dnipro and FC Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih know that a kind draw in the spring and one more win should guarantee them UEFA Cup football next year.
