Ukraine coach Blokhin agrees contract extension

Oleh Blokhin has agreed an extension to his contract as Ukraine coach, keeping him in charge of the UEFA EURO 2012 co-hosts through to the end of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Appointed in April last year, the 59-year-old former Ballon d'Or winner will now focus his attention on Ukraine's campaign in Group D, with Sweden their first opponents in Kyiv on 11 June before they face France four days later and England on 19 June.

"The first game is vital," said Blokhin, looking ahead to next month's tournament. "In this group, against such strong opponents, we simply have no right to lose. Of course, home advantage is a plus, but it's also a huge responsibility. We don't have the right to make a mistake."

Football Federation of Ukraine (FFU) president Grigory Surkis added: "You come closer to any dream step by step. Now I can gladly say that all our ideas have been converted into reality. Today I dream of the European Cup staying in Ukraine for four more years. The federation did all we can to help the national side – and now it's the turn of the players and coaching staff."