It was the good old battling Ukrainians on Monday, as the World Cup's most eccentric team turned in a sterling performance, and then defeated Switzerland in a penalty shoot out.
..................
[Ukrainian team coach] Blokhin was on his feet for much of the match and, as has become traditional for the World Cup, managed to demonstrate his still excellent first touch by fielding an out near the Ukrainian dug out. [He was one of the best and most successful soccer player in the Soviet Union.]
As always during a game, the emotional European Footballer of the Year seemed divided on whom he was angrier at: his players, the opposition, or the referees.
But when the game went to extra time Blokhin was a paternal coach, speaking quietly with each of his players, giving a few instructions
.....................
Ukraine's peculiar, and now spectacular saga in the World Cup continues. Next stop, Italy.
From: Ukraine fights back, and marches onward in World Cup
Both teams are considered outsiders at the World Cup, and if Ukraine can't find a semblance of offence in the quarter-finals, it's unlikely to stick around.
It was a tame game, particularly in comparison to the others. There was only one yellow card, the calmest game in a tournament that has set a record for yellows and for ejections.
Mexican referee Benito Archundia gave the yellow to Tranquillo Barnetta in the 59th minute for a push from behind.
From: Ukraine advances to World Cup quarter-final with shootout victory
Switzerland's World Cup adventure came to a bitter end after losing to Ukraine in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in Cologne on Monday.
Neither side could break the deadlock in normal playing time or during the extra half an hour and Switzerland were also unable to find the net from the spot to allow Ukraine to win a dour match.
From: Swiss crash out of World Cup after penalty woe
No Comments/Pingbacks for this post yet...