Ukraine through with Spain after ousting Slovenia

Ukraine ensured that they and Spain will go through to the UEFA Futsal EURO 2012 quarter-finals from Group B after ending Slovenia's hopes.

Slovenia lost 4-2 to Spain on Tuesday and needed a point here to remain in contention. However, they were three down within ten minutes and Valeriy Legchanov later completed a hat-trick as well as scoring an own goal. Ukraine lead Saturday opponents Spain on goal difference and a draw would ensure they remain in Zagreb for Monday's last-eight match rather than travelling to Split.

From the start Ukraine looked sharp on the counter, with Legchanov, Dmitriy Klochko and Serhiy Zhurba all going close. On five minutes the breakthrough did come, Klochko breaking down the left and slipping his shot under Aljoša Mohorič. It was soon 2-0, Legchanov combining with Maxym Pavlenko before a smart turn and strike. It then got worse for Slovenia as Zhurba intercepted a kick-in, sprinted upfield and finished powerfully.

The large Slovenian contingent in the stands were deflated, their team more vulnerable to quick breaks than Spain's possession game. Klochko did deny Primož Zorč with a last-gasp interception but, at the other end, Serhiy Cheporniuk hit the post and not long after played in Pavlenko to make it 4-0 in another fine passing move.

Legchanov got the fifth just 46 seconds after the interval, pouncing on a loose pass and shooting in via the far post. Slovenia then had one back as Rok Mordej's shot hit a post and then Ukraine keeper Yevhen Ivanyak, Legchanov inadvertently volleying in the deflection.

It took Legchanov two minutes to make amends, completing his hat-trick with a low free-kick from just inside the Slovenia half. Rajko Uršič pulled one back with an angled shot from near the sideline, giving Ivanyak no chance, and Kristjan Čujec curled in a deflected effort but it was too late for Slovenia.