Ukraine complete task in Tirana
Wednesday, 9 February 2005
By Eduard Lipovetsky and Gennadiy Chekhovsky at Qemal Stafa stadium
[1] Ukraine are six points clear at the top of FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 2 thanks to goals from Andriy Rusol and Andriy Husin in Albania.
Andriys combine
[2] Despite much speculation over their fitness, key duo Andriy Voronin and Andriy Shevchenko started up front. While neither found the net themselves, each claimed an assist against a team who have defeated Russia and European champions Greece at home in the recent past.
Shovkovskiy save
[3] Both teams started in a combative mood, with the defences kept busy. Ervin Skela seemed to have slipped away from both Rusol and Anatoliy Tymoschuk, but the latter produced a last-ditch tackle to prevent a one-on-one with Ukraine goalkeeper Olexandr Shovkovskiy. The FC Dynamo Kyiv custodian was called into action soon after to tip a free-kick over the bar.
Ruson scores
[4] Albania were a typically well-drilled outfit, but they were made to pay for their one first-half slip on the half-hour mark. Voronin's corner fell for the unmarked Rusol to shoot in just under the crossbar. The home side did have a good chance themselves as Skela's cross found Igli Tare, but the ball flew just wide.
Lead increases
[5] Husin had been at fault in that incident, but he was to more than make up for it just before the hour, heading in after a Shevchenko free-kick. Ukraine were now able to sit back, but although Shovkovskiy spilt the ball from a Tare free-kick, Alban Bushi's follow-up missed the target.
Points safe
[6] Skela's added-time free-kick hit the bar, but Albania - who would have been second tonight with victory - slipped to fifth place after Greece rose to second with a win against Denmark. Turkey, who lie third, welcome Albania on 26 March, four days before Ukraine are visited by Denmark, a night the Albanians travel to Greece.