The defeat of the three-time champions at the hands of Scotland (0:3) pushed Ukraine's national team to second place in the group. To improve the situation, our team had to win in Yerevan. Oleksandr Petrakov resorted to radical changes and fielded an entirely new starting lineup.

The Armenians started the match quite well; on the 5th minute, after a mistake by Krivtsov, Selaryan broke into our penalty area but Lunin saved his shot. Later, our goalkeeper was not very confident in handling a penalty kick from Bichakhchyan. However, as time went on, Ukrainians completely took control of the game.

Photo by Grigor Grigoryan

Indeed, on the 20th minute, after a great cross from Ignotenko, Tsygankov scored from the right side - Yurchenko saved it. Shortly thereafter, guests went ahead: following a combination involving Mykolenko and Tsygankov, Zubkov broke into the penalty area and passed to Timchik on an open goal. Oleksandr scored his debut goal for Ukraine's national team. Towards the end of the half-time, hosts had several chances but their shots lacked accuracy.

After halftime, Caucasians created a few opportunities, but the ball kept finding their own net. On the 57th minute, Timchik broke through on the right flank and passed to Zubkov for an assist, thus turning the score around. Soon after, Tsygankov scored with an inaccurate shot from distance.

Photo by Grigor Grigoryan

Then Oleksandr Petrakov brought on Dovbyk and Yarmolenko, who almost immediately participated in a goal-scoring attack. On the 69th minute, after several short passes, Yarmolenko elegantly passed to Zubkov inside the penalty area, who outmaneuvered the goalkeeper, while Dovbyk headed the ball into the net.

Armenians responded with a shot by Arutyunyan, which Lunin saved. Then on the 81st minute Ukrainians scored their fourth goal - Dovbyk held the ball in the penalty area, passed back to Ignotenko who then blasted it into the net from distance. Moreover, shortly after a corner kick, Dovbyk completed his brace by skillfully outmaneuvering several defenders.

Photo by Grigor Grigoryan

In summary, blue-and-yellow crushed their opponent with a score of 5:0. Now Ukrainians face a battle for first place against Scotland, which will take place in Krakow, Poland on September 27.

National League. Division B. Group 1

04.06.2022

Armenia — Ireland — 1:0

08.06.2022

Ireland — Ukraine — 0:1

Scotland — Armenia — 2:0

11.06.2022

Ukraine — Armenia — 3:0

Ireland — Scotland — 3:0

14.06.2022

Ukraine — Ireland — 1:1

Armenia — Scotland — 1:4

21.09.2022

Scotland — Ukraine — 3:0

24.09.2022

Armenia — Ukraine — 0:5 (0:1)

Goals: Timchik (22), Zubkov (57), Dovbyk (69, 84), Ignotenko (81).

Armenia: Yurchenko, Dashyan, Ambartsumyan, Mkoyan (c) (Voskanian, 75), Chalishir, Margaryan (Monroy, 75), Bichakhchyan (Arutyunyan, 46), Grigoryan, Bayramyan, Barsgayan (Shagoyan, 63), Selaryan (Serobyan, 82).

Reserves: Buchnev, Beglaryan, St. Mkrtychyan, Movrayan, Galstyan, Akopyan, S. Mkrtychyan.

Captain: Joaquín Caparros.

Ukraine: Lunin, Zabarny, Krivtsov (Matviienko, 76), Kachaраба, Timchik, Sidorchuk (c) (Pikhalyonok, 46), Ignotenko, Mykolenko, Zubkov (Mudryk, 71), Yaremchuк (Dovbyk, 67), Tsygankov (Yarmolenko, 67).

Reserves: Volynets, Ryzhnik, Bondar, Mykhailichenko, Stepanenko, Malinovskyi, Karavaev.

Captain: Oleksandr Petrakov.

Referee: João Pinheiro (Portugal).

Yellow cards: Dashyan (71), Arutyunyan (88) — Sidorchuk (30), Krivtsov (61).

24 September. Yerevan. Republican Stadium named after Vazgen Sargsyan.

Scotland — Ireland 21.45

Standings

27.09.2022

Ireland — Armenia 21.45

Ukraine — Scotland 21.45

Match start time - Kyiv.

According to the regulations, the group winner will advance to League A, while the last-placed team in the quartet will play in League C for the next cycle.