Andriy Yarmolenko and Ukraine came close to upsetting Joachim Löw’s Germany side on Saturday night, but eventually fell to a 2-1 home defeat in Nations League A Group 4.
On his 90th cap for his country, Yarmolenko started and played the first 69 minutes of the match, but couldn’t help his team clinch what would have been a memorable comeback from two goals down at Kiev Olympic Stadium.
Having topped their UEFA Euro 2020 qualification group ahead of reigning European champions Portugal last year, Ukraine’s current side features no shortage of talent.
They were unpicked after 21 opening minutes of German domination however when Matthias Ginter stabbed home Antonio Rudiger’s well-worked square ball.
Home goalkeeper Georgi Bushchan was subsequently called upon to make a number of great saves, but erred in dropping a cross onto Leon Goretzka’s head at the start of the second half to double Germany’s advantage.
Ukraine rallied following the disappointment and enjoyed chances to pull a goal back before Yarmolenko was replaced by compatriot Marlos with just over 20 minutes to go.
They did eventually get one back on 77 minutes when Ruslan Malinovskyi buried a penalty after Roman Yaremchuk was felled inside the area, setting up a grandstand finish, but that tension did not translate into a second goal as Germany held on to claim – surprisingly – their first-ever Nations League victory.
Yarmolenko and Ukraine, third in the group with three points after half their games played, will now look to close the gap with leaders Spain – who have seven points – when they host Luis Enrique’s side on Tuesday evening at the same venue.
