Opportunistic Ukraine surge ahead

Oleg Golodiuk helped himself to a pair of goals as Ukraine secured an important triumph in Belgium that lifted them clear of their rivals at the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 8 summit.

Surprise breakthrough
Ukraine emerged with the points, but it was the home side who looked more likely to score in the early stages, with Jaochim Mununga flashing a volley just wide from Mehdi Carcela-González's free-kick after just nine minutes. A few moments later, Naim Aarabco connected with the bar from the edge of the area after visiting goalkeeper Anton Kanibolotskiy had punched clear a cross. The breakthrough was made against the run of play, however, as a corner from Mykola Morozyuk struck the leg of Golodiuk and nestled in the back of the net.

Diving header
Belgium came close to levelling through Bia Mujangi three minutes before the break, only for the midfielder to miss from close range. Romelu Lukaku was next to try his luck for the hosts, with Anton Kanibolotskiy saving excellently with his foot, and Toby Alderweireld sent a free-kick the wrong side of the post. Those wasted chances proved even more costly when Golodiuk grabbed his second goal of the night with 16 minutes to go, and this time there was no luck involved as he dived superbly to head in a fine cross from Maxym Bilyy. The result lifted Ukraine three points above both France and Belgium, though Les Bleuets in second boast a game in hand.