Ukraine v Spain: Preview
Ukraine
Spain
Ukraine coach Mikhail Fomenko claims his side will fight to the end to secure automatic qualification for Euro 2016.
Ukraine go into their final qualifier, against reigning champions and Group C winners Spain in Kyiv, knowing they need to better Slovakia’s result in Luxembourg to snatch second spot.
Fomenko’s men revived their chances of finishing group runners-up as they won 2-0 in Macedonia on Thursday while Slovakia slipped up against Belarus.
It still seems a tall order, given the strength of Spain and Luxembourg’s underwhelming record, but Fomenko – who still rues missed chances in a draw in Slovakia last month – will not give up hope.
Ukraine, who are at least guaranteed a play-off spot, are level with Slovakia on 19 points, five behind Spain, but with an inferior head-to-head record to their rivals.
Fomenko told reporters at a press conference: “Playing in Slovakia was the key for us, but hope is the last thing you can lose. Play-offs? We have to change the story.”
Spain secured their place in next summer’s finals in France as group winners with a comfortable 4-0 win over Luxembourg on Thursday.
Coach Vicente del Bosque will make changes, with at least two enforced by injuries to David Silva and Alvaro Morata.
But Fomenko still expects him to field a formidable side and, having never beaten Spain in four previous attempts, Ukraine will find the odds against them.
Fomenko, who is without defender Yevhen Khacheridi and midfielder Serhiy Sydorchuk through suspension, said: “The Spaniards will play freely and safely. They have nothing to lose because they already have their ticket to the European Championship. The level of the Spanish national team is very high.”
Valencia striker Paco Alcacer is set to start for Spain after coming off the bench to score twice against Luxembourg. Midfielder Cesc Fabregas could make his 100th international appearance.
The match will also be a pleasing trip to memory lane for Del Bosque and his team, having had won the championship with an emphatic victory over Italy in the final in Kyiv in 2012.
Playmaker Santi Cazorla said: “We won the Euros in Kyiv. It brings back some spectacular memories. I’m sure it will be very nice.”
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