Ukraine have not yet perished in World Cup Qualifying, despite dropping another four points from winning positions in September’s double header. The shock and disappointment from the match against Kazakhstan was swiftly forgotten following an impressive performance against World Champions France, where Zbirna can consider themselves unlucky coming away with only a draw. Despite it being another two draws, making it an amazing five from five, Ukraine’s World Cup hopes are not over and Zbirna are still in the race for the play-offs at least.
The doom and gloom following Ruslan Valiullin’s last minute equaliser in Kazakhstan has lifted after the spirited display in Kyiv, but with only three games left, Ukraine must win them all, and hope for favours elsewhere to ensure they reach the play-offs.
Petrakov’s influence
Petrakov’s reign began in perfect fashion with Roman Yaremchuk’s wonder goal within two minutes of the kickoff in Kazakhstan. Unfortunately, the game fell into the familiar pattern of Ukraine dominating periods, before getting sloppy allowing the opposition back in. Kazakhstan inevitably equalised as a continuation of Zbirna’s form in this campaign. It appeared Danylo Sikan had given Petrakov a “Ruslan Rotan moment” with a late late winner, akin to the one the centurion scored in 2006 World Cup qualifying, but Ukraine found it within themselves to blow it.
There was huge pressure coming into the game with the World Champions, but Petrakov responded positively. He changed the system and made five personnel switches, some enforced, to put his own stamp on the team. The players reacted positively, with a performance of high quality, discipline and work rate to cancel out the threat of France and impose themselves on the game.
Ukraine favoured a 4-3-2-1 formation throughout the Shevchenko era, with a more recent switch to 5-3-1-1. Petrakov introduced a 5-2-2-1 with full backs and wingers, with players to suit, rather than fitting in the big names. It means the brilliant Ruslan Malinovskyi had to miss out, but there is no room for him in the system and Petrakov has been brave enough to make the big call, so early in his Zbirna career.
The system worked and it will be interesting to see if Petrakov maintains it in the future matches. The only changes this author would recommend ahead of the next qualifiers would be Olexandr Zinchenko in for Vitaliy Mykolenko in the left defensive position and the goalkeeping position to return to normal, although Andriy Pyatov did nothing wrong in the qualifiers.
Next up
Immediate attention turns to the friendly with Czech Republic in Plzen. This will be a chance for Petrakov to have a little more experimentation with the side. Some senior players maybe rested with an opportunity to give minutes and maybe even debuts for several players. The formation will be the key to watch as it will indicate if Petrakov is going to stick to a favoured formation or adapt it for each opponent.
Looking down the line October’s double header is away to Finland and home to Bosnia. Ukraine need six points whatever it takes, or there will be no trip to Qatar. The group finishes in November with an away day in Bosnia. Despite the bizarre situation Zbirna find themselves in, hope remains. It may be a fool’s hope, but we are clinging on to it.
Centurion
An honourable mention must be given to Andriy Pyatov. The legendary goalkeeper answered the call with Ukraine in a goalkeeping crisis. Having retired from international football after Euro 2020, he was there when his country needed him as the three first choice keepers all withdrew from the squad. On 99 caps after the France game, the keeper deserves his 100th cap against Czech Republic and it would be criminal to deny him. Yes, over his career there have been errors and poor performances, but there have been some fantastic performances too and his commitment to the national team cannot be questioned. And who knows, Pyatov has been to every major tournament with Ukraine, could he yet go to Qatar?
By Petro Chymera. Petro is a co-founder of Donetsk Way and the Viktor Leonenko Hall of Fame. Follow Petro on twitter – @PMChymera89
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