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Ukraine had no luck being drawn in a tough group together with England, Montenegro, Poland, Moldova and San Marino, but still managed to get through to the second position and are now drawn with France for the World Cup qualifying decider. They have started with only two points in first three rounds of the qualifying stage, but still managed to get the second position with a impressive 6-1-0 run.
Their only draw in last seven competitive matches was at home against England, while the side finished second with six points more than third placed Montenegro and only a point less than first placed English side. Anyhow, the team showed great skills in previous matches, especially when speaking about counter attacks, while they used the last competitive game against San Marino which they have won 8:0 on the road to boost their morale furthermore. Ukrainian coach Fomenko will once again count at defender Khacheridi and midfielder Stepanenko who are back into the team after serving their suspension, while the team has no major problems to deal with in front of the game. The team will rely mostly on their important wingers Konoplyanka and Yarmolenko, while the top of attack will be led by Zozulya.
Being in the same group together with Spain, it was really hard for France to make better result than second position. Having that in mind, their final position isn’t disappointing one and will now search for their World Cup position in a clash with Ukraine. The side took the second position comfortably with a 5-2-1 record and eight points more than third placed Finland.
Furthermore, they are coming from three consecutive victories and five matches without defeat. Prior to this run, they had played for 526 minutes without a goal scored (which is about 5.5 games) and the team surely feels revived after last three victories. Victories came against Belarus 4:2, Australia 6:0 in a friendly game and the last game they played was against Finland 3:0 at home. French side has no fresh injury concerns in front of this game, as coach Deschamps could name the same, unchanged squad that defeat Finland a month ago. Pogba and Matuidi will be set as defensive midfielders behind Valbuena, while striker Giroud should get the starting position leaving Benzema on the bench.
*France has never lost to Ukraine, having 4-3-0 record till now.
France is clear favorite to qualify in this clash and everything but their positive result from the first game would be huge surprise. Tight game is expected with little number of chances where French experience might prevail the game, although the draw can’t be excluded.
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