|
Ukraine looked solid as they defeated Orlando Duarte's Portugal, but it took two lucky goals to see off the Portuguese. 0-0 at half time showed that both teams will be challenging for honours, and it wasn't until the 27th minute that the deadlock was broken and it came when Portugal were down to four players. Ukraine camped in Portugal's half trying to take advantage of the extra player, and despite holding out well, Portugal conceded after 50 seconds of the power play. Portugal, who had created chances earlier were right back in it as Joao Goncalves poked one through the legs of the Ukraine keeper from a tight angle. Once again Ukraine found the net to take control of the match, but Portugal hit back immediately with a carbon copy of their first goal from the same player. A draw looked likely, and would have been a fair result, but Ukraine kept pressing and managed to keep Portugal at bay. Two lucky goals, one a deflected clearance from the goalkeeper that landed in the path of Roman Vakhula who dived to connect with his head to wrap the game up for Ukraine, who looked very much a side who could be champions come Sunday.
|
