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(3-2) Aggregate
France came into today's World Cup qualifier down two goal to the Ukraine after a scoreless effort in Kiev on Friday. Each team had a player sent off in the first meeting, Koscielny for France and Kucher for Ukraine, and France especially felt the need to make other changes to the line-up. Benzema and Valbuena started over Giroud and Nasri which gave the offense much more energy. The most important changes proved to be in the defense though, with Sakho and Varane replacing Abidal and Koscienly.
Playing in front of their home fans France were much more lively than the first meeting and created all the early chances. Centerback Sakho benefited from a shot by Ribèry that was saved by the Ukraine keeper. Pyatov did well to stop the initial shot, but the rebound fell right for Sakho who was waiting in the right place (22').
France kept the pressure on the Ukraine and racked up more shots. Benzema had one goal denied by an offsides call that was shown to be an error on replay. The missed call didn't make much difference however, and Benzema scored a clean goal moments later. Cabaye sent a skipping shot towards goal that was deflected right into the path of Benzema for the finish (34').
The second goal leveled the aggregate score, but the Ukaine could still put the pressure back on France with one crucial away-goal. Neither side made any changes at half-time as both mangers felt their squads were sound. Unfortunately for the Ukraine a costly mistake by centerback Khacheridi left them short-handed for the remainder of the match. Khacheridi had seen a yellow card in the first-half and saw a second following a foul on Ribèry just minutes after the break.
With an extra man to their advantage France were able to keep the pressure on the Ukraine and score the deciding goal. Sakho took credit for the goal, though it was tough to see if the goal was not an own-goal scored by Rakitskiy. Sakho was right behind the defender as the cross came in, and the ball ended up in the net which is all France truly cared about (72').
The Ukraine could not grind out a goal and will go home with heavy hearts coming just short of a World Cup appearance. France were not the only nation to secure a spot in Brazil today as Portugal, Greece, and Croatia all won their playoff matches.
France kept the pressure on the Ukraine and racked up more shots. Benzema had one goal denied by an offsides call that was shown to be an error on replay. The missed call didn't make much difference however, and Benzema scored a clean goal moments later. Cabaye sent a skipping shot towards goal that was deflected right into the path of Benzema for the finish (34').
The second goal leveled the aggregate score, but the Ukaine could still put the pressure back on France with one crucial away-goal. Neither side made any changes at half-time as both mangers felt their squads were sound. Unfortunately for the Ukraine a costly mistake by centerback Khacheridi left them short-handed for the remainder of the match. Khacheridi had seen a yellow card in the first-half and saw a second following a foul on Ribèry just minutes after the break.
With an extra man to their advantage France were able to keep the pressure on the Ukraine and score the deciding goal. Sakho took credit for the goal, though it was tough to see if the goal was not an own-goal scored by Rakitskiy. Sakho was right behind the defender as the cross came in, and the ball ended up in the net which is all France truly cared about (72').
The Ukraine could not grind out a goal and will go home with heavy hearts coming just short of a World Cup appearance. France were not the only nation to secure a spot in Brazil today as Portugal, Greece, and Croatia all won their playoff matches.
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