Arsenal international scores with 1st touch, 2 goals in 2 games
Oleksandr Zinchenko scored with his first touch to give Ukraine the win over New Zealand on Tuesday night, his second goal in two games over the break.
Photo byThe Ukraine national team have been away in Toronto for the 2025 Canadian Shield this week, with Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko involved with the team at the event.
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Zinchenko won and scored a penalty in the opening game against Canada, but it was only a consolation goal as Ukraine lost 4-2.
The 28-year-old then dropped to the bench for Ukraine's second game against New Zealand, but he had a major impact as a substitute.
Photo byComing on in the 74th minute at 1-1, Zinchenko took less than a minute to give Ukraine the lead with a sweeping finish from just behind the penalty spot.
The shot was Zinchenko's first touch on the pitch, and he certainly made it count. With the match finishing 2-1, the goal proved to be the winner for Ukraine.
Hosts Canada ended up winning the mini-tournament, beating Ukraine and drawing with the Ivory Coast to earn four points. Ukraine finished third with three points, behind New Zealand on goal difference.
Photo byZinchenko now has four goals or assists in his last five appearances for Ukraine, having scored in a Nations League group game against Albania and provided an assist in the subsequent play-off match against Belgium.
The versatile left-back managed one goal and one assist in 23 appearances for Arsenal in 2024/25, though just eight of those games were starts.
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