Ukraine continue winning form in Estonia

Oleh Blokhin's side emerged victorious from their friendly trip to Tallinn, but Estonia were also celebrating after results elsewhere ensured their place in the UEFA EURO 2012 play-offs.

Oleh Gusev and Olexandr Aliyev scored in either half for the visitors, while the hosts missed a penalty late on, but Estonia's mood was brightened after Serbia's defeat by Slovenia confirmed they had finished runners-up in Group C.

Ukraine dominated from the start although Tarmo Kink did test Olexandr Rybka from range after 18 minutes. Most of the action, however, was at the other end, with Yevhen Konoplyanka a constant threat via his raids down the right flank. The visitors took the lead on the stroke of half-time with a move orchestrated by Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, who released Gusev and the FC Dynamo Kyiv midfielder planted a shot into the far corner.

Substitutions injected new life into Estonia's play after the break, but chances were scant for either side. Ukraine nonetheless managed to double their lead midway through the second period when right-back Bohdan Butko set up Aliyev to score from 12 metres. The hosts reacted by bringing Konstantin Vassiljev off the bench and hero against Northern Ireland on Friday almost pulled a goal back within moments of coming on, only to be denied by Rybka.

The hosts won a penalty moments later as a result of foul by Rybka on Alo Bärengrub but Vassiljev saw his spot kick saved by the FC Shakhtar Donetsk goalkeeper.