Just a few days after the disappointment of missing out on World Cup qualification, Ukraine were back to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Wednesday.
The Ukrainians had fallen at the last hurdle in qualifiers for Qatar 2022, losing to Wales in the playoff final over the weekend. The heartbreak of missing out on the biggest tournament on the planet wasn't evident on Wednesday, however, as Ukraine were the better side against the Irish for most of their match.
A 47th-minute goal by substitute Viktor Tsyhankov was the difference between the teams, and Ukraine were able to hold off a late charge by the hosts. The Ukrainians enjoyed a 55-45 possession advantage and outshot Ireland 14-13 (4-4 on target), but much of the second half was spent in the visitors' end of the field as the Irish desperately pressed for an equalizer that ultimately did not come.
A point-blank save by Ukranian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin on Ireland captain Shane Duffy in the 79th minute was the closest the home side would come to scoring.
The result puts Ukraine on three points, which, when combined with Scotland's 2-0 win over Armenia on Wednesday, creates a three-way tie for first place in Group 1 of the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League B. The tiebreakers see Scotland take hold of first place, with Ukraine second, Armenia third and Ireland the lone team in the group yet to pick up a point.