Euro 2012 Nation Profile: Ukraine

Key Player: Andriy Yarmolenko

When you think of Ukraine’s national team, you always think of Shevchenko, but this man could be better. Russian born, but qualifies for Ukraine. Been in fine form for Dinamo Kiev this season, finding the net 12 times in 20 appearances.

It is no shock that many Premier League clubs have this man on their radars. He’s 22 years old, plays primarily as a forward, but has been deployed on the left and right. He will want to underline his ability with a good tournament with hosts Ukraine.One to Watch: Andriy Shevchenko

One to watch out for is Shevchenko, I hear you cry. Well yes, can this man still deliver? When the big Ukrainian joined Chelsea for £30.5m, the goals dried up, so will he mark his last major tournament with a bang or is it too late?

National icon for Ukraine, but been described as ‘no miracle worker’. His might have lost quite a bit of space but would lining up next to the younger Milevskiy be a helping hand for Shevchenko? The Dinamo Kiev forward will sure hope that having a striker with him, helps.

Manager: Oleg Blokhin

First Ukrainian to win the Ballon d’Or way back in 75′. Blokhin returned to the Ukrainian post in April 2011. First time round as manager, Blokhin led his Ukrainian team to the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup.

His experience will be vital if the co-hosts are to progress through their tough group. He may be hard on under-performing players, but his real strength is the unity he brings, despite the big divide among clubs in the country.

Ukraine in their last 10 friendlies

Because Ukraine are hosts of Euro 2012, they automatically qualified for the tournament.

After gaining an easy home win against Uzbekistan, Ukraine went on a four match losing streak, losing to France, Sweden, Uruguay and Czech Republic. After that, Ukraine went on a unbeaten streak, winning 4 out of 5 and drawing to a deadly Germany.

Likely Line Up for Opening Game

Written by Cain O’BennettFollow me on Twitter @CainTalksFootyCheck out his wonderful blog, Euro 2012 BloggerPlease like O-Posts on FacebookFollow the site on Twitter

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