Unbeaten Russia and Ukraine take Group 13 spoils
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
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Russia and Ukraine both took seven points from their three Group 13 fixtures, the former winning the section on goals difference with Estonia third and Malta fourth.
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Viktor Kovalenko's goal earned Ukraine a 1-1 draw against Russia on the final round of UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifying Group 13 – although the 2009 champions had to be happy with second place, behind their opponents on goal difference.
The eventual top two were in control of the section from the outset, Russia putting four goals past Malta without reply – including two for Denis Davydov – before overwhelming Estonia 5-1. Davydov added two more as Russia responded perfectly to Joseph Saliste's 23rd-second opener for Estonia.
Ukraine were only marginally less emphatic with a 3-1 opening victory against Estonia – although the former winners had to come from one down with all their goals, including two for Artem Radchenko, coming in the final 26 minutes. Oleksandr Petrakov's side then repeated Russia's 4-0 victory against Malta, Radchenko taking his total for the section to four.
Russia looked set to make it three wins from three when Aleksandr Morgunov gave them a 17th-minute lead in their final fixture yet Kovalenko replied on the stroke of half-time. With each team collecting a second-half red card, for Russia's Eduard Sobol and Vladislav Masternoi respectively, the eventual point that maintained both's unbeaten record. Malta, meanwhile, twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against 2012 finals hosts Estonia, although they finished behind their opponents on goal difference.
