Republic of Ireland fall to defeat against Ukraine

A fortunate Viktor Tsygankov free-kick gave Ukraine the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

Stephen Kenny made just two changes to the team that disappointed against Armenia last weekend with Cyrus Christie and Tony Parrott in for Seamus Coleman and Jason Knight.

Meanwhile, Ukraine had to get over their defeat to Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, with manager Oleksandr Petrakov making ten changes to his team with Vitaliy Mykolenko the only player to feature again.

Ireland started well but Ukraine grew into the game and thought they had opened the scoring in the 40th minute when Taras Kacharaba put a thunderous effort past Caoimhin Kelleher with the outside of his boot. Sadly though, Artem Dovbyk was offside in the build-up. 

That didn’t phrase Ukraine though, who took the lead just three minutes after the break.

Viktor Tsygankov, who had just come on at half-time, sent in a freekick from the right that wasn’t defended by anyone and eventually sailed past Kelleher into the back of the net. The Liverpool goalkeeper will surely have been expecting one of his defenders to get something on the ball. 

The home side did have chances to equalise. Michael Obafemi’s cross found the head of Shane Duffy but the defender’s effort rattled the crossbar and was cleared. 

However, Ireland couldn’t find a levelling goal and instead fall to another defeat. While this was a better performance than against Armenia, there is still much to do for Stephen Kenny and his staff.

The Republic of Ireland are back in action on Saturday when they host Scotland.

FT | Ireland 0-1 Ukraine

Ireland fall to defeat following an early second half goal by the visitors.#COYBIG | #WeAreOne | #IRLUKR pic.twitter.com/Vc1uvu2T9n

— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) June 8, 2022