Fomenko sure Ukraine are worthy finalists

Ukraine won a play-off for the first time, and avenged their defeat by Slovenia at this same stage of UEFA EURO 2000, to book their place in France after finishing third in qualifying Group C.

Having fallen to the Slovenes in their only previous EURO play-off  – and failed in four such FIFA World Cup ties – Mykhailo Fomenko's side exorcised the demons as Andriy Yarmolenko and Yevhen Seleznyov secured a 2-0 first-leg triumph in Kyiv. Ukraine were given a rough ride in the Maribor return but after Boštjan Cesar offered Slovenia hope, Yarmolenko's added-time equaliser confirmed their progress to a second EURO finals.

Despite conceding just four times in ten Group C games, Ukraine had to settle for third place after being pipped to second by Slovakia, who struck an early blow with a 1-0 Kyiv success in the section opener. Things got back on track with victories against Belarus, FYR Macedonia and Luxembourg yet home and away losses to Spain – and an inability to exact revenge in a stalemate with the Slovaks – forced Ukraine to take the long route to France.

Reaction
Mykhailo Fomenko, Ukraine coach
First of all, I would like to thank all the players from the heart for their ceaseless work. For a battle like that out there, you have to be really well prepared both physically and mentally. Compliments also go to the entire leadership structure of the national team and the federation.

In the dressing room there really was a lot of joy, a lot of emotion. Those last few minutes were unbelievably tense. It was difficult, but I am convinced that we deserved our ticket for the EURO. Now we must start afresh. A lot of work lies ahead to prepare properly for France 2016.

Yevhen Seleznyov, Ukraine forward
We knew it would be a tough match. Slovenia came out strong in the first half and managed to get back into the tie with that goal. But we played better in the second half and got the result we needed. We're very happy we get to play in France.

Key stats
Best result: group stage 2012
Coach: Mikhail Fomenko
Leading scorers: all-time – Andriy Shevchenko (48); current – Andriy Yarmolenko (22)
Most appearances: all-time – Anatoliy Tymoshchuk (141); current – Anatoliy Tymoshchuk (141)

Record EURO appearances
Overall: Andriy Shevchenko (29)
Final tournament: 11 players (3)

Record EURO goals
Overall: Andriy Shevchenko (12)
Final tournament: Andriy Shevchenko (2)