Outright Odds: sixty six/one
Group H Winners: 12/five
This will be the Ukraines initial major Event they've certified for given that narrowly lacking out when pursuing their independence in 1991. This time there was no messing about they usually became the main European side to qualify with the finals, bar hosts Germany 꽁머니 certainly.
They suffered just one defeat in 12 matches, at home to Turkey, but All round received a difficult group which also featured European champions Greece and perennial qualifiers Denmark https://www.washingtonpost.com/newssearch/?query=꽁머니 without difficulty.
The Ukraine are managed by Oleg Blokhin, the 1975 European Footballer on the Year and USSR stalwart which observed him obtain 109 caps and rating 39 objectives in the method. His ways utilise the skills of Andrey Shevchenko but, more importantly, do not have to foundation each individual attack within the AC Milan forward as Blokhin prefers to implement a 4-3-three development.
Shevchenko spearheads the attack admirably, with 28 plans in 63 Global appearances, but He's capably backed up by Bayer Leverkusens Andrey Voronin and Shaktar Donetsks Andriy Vorobey who make up a devastating three-pronged attack.
The crew do not just trust in Shevchenkos plans. Like fellow qualifiers Serbia & Montenegro and Croatia, Ukraines accomplishment was also built all around a strong defence which retained six clean up sheets in the row which observed as many consecutive wins from Oct 2004 to June 2005.
Dinamo Kiev goalkeeper Alexandr Shovkoskiy can trust in his again 4 of workforce-mate Andriy Nesmachny, Shaktars Anatoliy Tymoshyuk and Dnipro pair Andrey Rusol and Vladimir Yezerski.
Ukraine supporters are optimistic with regards to their chances, drawing parallels Using the successful Croatia side of 1998 which concluded 3rd. These are gifted sufficient and underestimation could show pricey to more fashionable opponents. Manager Blokhin has promised a semi-last physical appearance that will make a mockery of their sixty six/one (Coral) odds.
Encouraged Wager
Forget about Spain, the Ukraine could possibly be the legitimate dim horses for the globe Cup. They brushed apart quality opposition in the course of the qualification system and are excellent value to win Group H at odds larger than 2/one. Lets not forget about Andrey Shevchenko either as well as the AC Milan striker could mark his debut on the earth phase as a genuine Golden Boot contender.
Ukraine to earn Team H @ 12/five
E/W Andrey Shevchenko as prime goalscorer @ 22/one