At the edge of the Abyss

[liberalgoliath]

This is not an exaggeration: Ukrainian National Team is at the edge of the Abyss as far as the Qualification to the Euro2008 is concerned. Their unexpected draw in georgia has seriously damaged whatever was left of their chances to qualify for next Summer's continental tournament. Now, to retain any sort of a chance, Ukrainian National Team needs to win almost every match they play. And none is more difficult than the next match - Italy in Kyiv, in two days' time. UNT has to defeat Italy, which happens to be the reigning World Champions. Italy have never lost to UNT, and the only time they met in Kyiv (1995), Italy won 2-0. In fact, in the 5 matches they have ever played, Italy won 4. UNT has only scored once over the 5 matches. So, it is obvious what kind of odds are stacked up against Blokhin and his charges. But, here it goes, Viva Ukraine!

Euro2008 Qualification. Group B

France 8 6 1 1 15-2 19
Scotland 8 6 0 2 16-7 18
Italy 8 5 2 1 13-6 17
Ukraine 7 4 1 2 9-7 13
Lithuania 7 2 1 5 5-10 7
Georgia 9 2 1 6 14-15 7
Faeroe Islands 8 0 0 8 2-27 0