One of the last matches in Group I saw Ukraine lose at home to a shaky Croatian team at Kiev Olympic Stadium, according to Reuters. The visitors had to rely on Andrej Kramaric to ease past Ukraine and ultimately secure their place in next summer's World Cup. However, Ukraine, which needed a win to advance to the playoffs, dominated possession especially in the first half but squandered two great scoring chances. No doubt, it was a disappointing result for Andriy Shevchenko's side, losing in front of their home crowd. Croatia finished runners-up in the group with twenty points, two points behind group leaders Iceland, while Ukraine is third with seventeen points.
Here's a summary of the match.
Ukraine outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Andriy Pyatov (5.70). Defender - Oleksandr Karavayev (6.48), Yaroslav Rakitskiy (6.88), Yevhen Khacheridi (6.28), Mykola Matvyenko (5.83). Midfielder -
Marlos (six points), Ruslan Rotan (6.62), Taras Stepanenko (six points), Yevhen Konoplyanka (six points). Forward - Denys Garmash (6.09), Andriy Yarmolenko (six points). Used substitutes - Viktor Kovalenko (5.82), Artem Besedin (5.92), Serhiy Sydorchuk (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Ukraine held more possession on Croatia's half but were weak at finishing. In addition, they created goal scoring opportunities through individual efforts and through balls.
In their weakness, they gave away lots of free-kicks within their half.
Style of play: Andriy Shevchenko's side dominated possession, favored through balls and long passes.
Croatia outlook
Starting XI and individual performance points: Goalkeeper - Danijel Subasic (6.44). Defender - Domagoj Vida (seven points), Dejan Lovren (6.93), Matej Mitrovic (6.90), Sime Vrsaljko (6.72).
Midfielder - Milan Badelj (7.18), Ivan Rakitic (7.39), Andrej Kramaric (8.12), Luka Modric (7.63), Ivan Perisic (6.59). Forward - Mario Mandzukic (6.63). Used substitutes - Josip Pivaric (5.92), Mario Pasalic (six points), Marko Rog (six points).
Team's strength and weakness: Zlatko Dalic's side created chances in front of goal through counter attacks, long and short passes.
They were strong at scoring. However, Croatia's defenders were aggressive in their tackles.
Style of play: the visitors played with width, operated through the center midfield and favored rebound efforts.
Man of the Match
Andrej Kramaric was just unstoppable in the attack. His two goals apparently sealed the victory for Croatia. Kramaric had a total of twenty-nine touches in the match.
