WORLD CUP 2006
Ukraine Tactics
|
Like his predecessors, Oleh Blokhin employs a standard 4-4-2, which can be changed to a 4-5-1 to give a more solid midfield and a more counter-attacking style.
The goalkeeping position, which had looked decided, is now wide open following the injuries to undisputed No 1 Olexander Shovkovskyi and his deputy, Maxim Startsev. Both are struggling to be fit for the finals, giving the young, inexperienced Bogdan Shust an unlikely opportunity.
In defence, Blokhin will definitely use Andrii Rusol as sweeper, with Vladislav Vaschuk in reserve. The other centre-back position should go to the uncompromising but injury-prone Serhii Fedorov, for whom the most obvious deputy is Volodymyr Yezerskyi. The latter is also one of six contenders for the right-back slot, with Olexander Radchenko another of the options. Andrii Nesmachnyi is a certain starter at left-back.
The two holding midfielders are Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, who gets attacks rolling, and Andrii Husin, who provides a defensive shield. Oleh Husiev will certainly start on the right of midfield, with orders to push forward as aggressively as he can. Ruslan Rotan is very useful playing in behind the forwards, or, instead of him, Andrii Vorobei would be played on the left side. Blokhin requires his midfielders to work and chase, so athletic ability is as important as technical quality.
Andrii Shevchenko is the main striker, with Andrii Voronin in support, making forward runs from deep positions. Olexiy Bielik is the main forward option on the bench, with Oleh Venhlynskyi another possibility.
Newsletter
