Djatel and Zinchenko down Russia

Ukraine 2-0 Russia
Vera Djatel and Nataliya Zinchenko scored either side of the interval as Ukraine got the better of their neighbours and fellow UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ finalists Russia in a friendly in Kiev.

Year's bow
Ukraine had not played a game since clinching qualification last October with a play-off defeat of Slovenia but Lyudmyla Pekur signalled their attacking intentions with a powerful early shot from distance which tested Elvira Todua in the Russia goal. As half-time approached, the WFC Rossiyanka midfielder beat three opponents before setting up Djatel to tap home the opener.

Loose ball
It was the 28-year-old Pekur's long ball early in the second half that led to the second goal, with Darina Apanaschenko exchanging passes with Zinchenko and then going for goal from the edge of the area. Todua could only parry, and Apanaschenko's Zvezda-2005 team-mate Zinchenko tucked the loose ball away. Russia were stung into action and started to cause more problems from the flanks as the game went on. Their best chance came on 76 minutes as Iryna Zvarich saved from Elena Terekhova's shot.

Next encounter
Ukraine next welcome Poland to Kiev on 22 July before opening their UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ Group A campaign on 23 August against the Netherlands in Turku prior to facing Denmark and hosts Finland. Russia have two home friendlies against China on 6 and 9 July and have further tune-ups with Germany and the Netherlands prior to meeting Group C opposition Sweden, England and Italy.