In Toronto at BMO Field, the Ukraine national team played their second friendly match in the Canadian Shield tournament — against New Zealand.

Head coach of the blue-and-yellow team Serhiy Rebrov made significant changes to the starting lineup. Compared to the match against Canada (2:4), only two players kept their places in the starting eleven — defenders Oleksandr Timchik and Illia Zabarnyi. The captain's armband went to a "Bournemouth" representative.

In an exchange of attacks at the start of the match, the Ukrainians looked more convincing. On the 11th minute, Zabarnyi found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper but was flagged offside. A few minutes later, New Zealand's goal was saved by their goalkeeper: Pichalonnok delivered a cross to the far post, Gutsulak had an unobstructed header from inside the penalty area, yet Crocombe miraculously managed to deflect the ball with his hand.

The New Zealand team relied on quick vertical attacks and also sought their chance during set pieces, but Lunin and company were vigilant. 

Photo: Dan Balashov

On the 31st minute, Ukrainians had two chances in one attack. First, Timchik shot from the right flank into the near corner — once again, the goalkeeper was reliable. On the rebound, Kabayev was close to scoring but his shot flew over the crossbar. The end of the half saw a noticeable advantage for the blue-and-yellow team, who bombarded their opponents' goal from various distances. However, attempts by Kabayev, Nazarina (twice), and Zabarnyi did not find the back of the net.

After halftime, Ukrainians continued to create chances. On the 49th minute, after a set piece play, Zabarnyi shot from almost the corner of the penalty area but failed to beat the goalkeeper. A moment later, Oleksandr played the role of an assistant — delivered a sharp flank pass, which left his teammates inches short of scoring.

The advantage in the game Ukraine converted into a goal on the 54th minute. A quick attack down the left flank ended with Mikhailychenko's pass to Gutsulak. Oleksiy, who played as a center forward, stopped the ball, turned and delivered a powerful and precise shot from inside the penalty area. 0:1!

However, just five minutes later, New Zealand equalized. After a corner kick on the right flank, their opponent won the second ball: Boksol scored to Stamenshchik, who headed it in from inside the goalkeeper's reach. 1:1.

Photo: Dan Balashov

Serhiy Rebrov made five substitutions, and it was these players who contributed to Ukraine's second goal. On the 75th minute, Martinjuk, making his debut for the national team, delivered a comfortable flank cross into the center of the penalty area from where Zinchenko scored with one touch past the goalkeeper. 1:2! This scoreline held until full time. The blue-and-yellow side concluded their friendly tournament in North America on a high note.

Canadian Shield Tournament

New Zealand — Ukraine — 1:2 (0:0)

Goals:  Stamenshchik (59) — Gutsulak (54), Zinchenko (75). 

New Zealand: Crocombe, Bidon (de Vries, 81), Boksol, Bell, Garbett (Old, 66), Stamenshchik (Elliot, 81), Singh (Ruffer, 73), Just (Wood, 81), Kakače (c), Sherman, Wayne (Barbarouses, 66).

Reserves: Polson, Tsanev, Paynecker, Smith, Tuiloma.

Coach: Darren Beazley.

Ukraine: Lunin, Mikhailychenko (Martinjuk, 66), Cheberko (Talovyevor, 66), Zabarnyi (c), Timchik, Mikhaylenko (Zinchenko, 74), Nazarina, Pichalonnok (Shaparenko, 86), Kabayev (Yaremchuk, 66), Zabarnyi (Tsigankov, 74), Gutsulak.

Reserves: Trubin, Riznik,  Bondar, Kaluzhnyi, Sudakov, Bondarenko, Matviienko.

Coach: Serhiy Rebrov.

Referee: Carlley Shaw-McLaren (Canada)

Yellow cards: Bell (65), Bidon (73) — Tsigankov (83), Timchik (89), Yaremchuk (90+5).

June 10. Toronto. BMO Field stadium.

Final Standings

In other matches of the tournament, these results were recorded: New Zealand — Ivory Coast — 1:0, Canada — Ivory Coast — 0:0 (pp. 4:5).