Ukraine Squad Euro 2012

Oleh Blokhin

Ukraine, along with neighbours Poland, host Euro 2012, the pinnacle of European football. Thought they have the much-required home support, Ukraine would not fancy themselves to be serious contenders for the crown.

In a tournament that features current world and European champion, Spain and many former champions, the Ukranians would consider themselves underdogs. However, they have sprung a surprise once in a while and they are more than capable of doing so again.

Oleh Blokhin is the head coach of Ukraine football team. He was one of the greatest strikers in the world and still is the highest goal-scorer in Soviet league history. He began coaching Ukraine in September 2003. Under his guidance, they made their first ever quarter-final appearance in a FIFA world-cup. However, he resigned after his boys failed to qualify for the Euro 2008. After being reappointed as the head coach in April 2011, Oleh would be eager to make his mark.

Ukraine Squad

With a FIFA world rank 50, Ukraine find themselves the lowest ranked team in Group D. With France, England and Sweden among the world’s top 20 teams, Ukraine might find it highly difficult to qualify for the next stage. The first of their group matches is played against Sweden in the capital city Kiev on 11 June 2012. A tough encounter against the French beckons the Ukrainians on 15 June 2012 in at the Donbass arena in Donetsk, the city of million roses. Ukraine play their final group match against England, the highest ranked team in the group.