2 days ago
All Whites end Canadian Shield with a loss to Ukraine
Marko Stamenic of New Zealand heads the ball at goal.
Photo:
Kevin Sousa /
The All Whites have been beaten 2-1 by Ukraine in their second game at the Canadian Shield four-nations tournament in Toronto.
The result means the New Zealanders finish
with a win
and a loss after their first up 1-0 victory over Cōte d'Ivoire on Sunday.
The 25th ranked Ukrainians completely dominated the first half and should have been ahead if it wasn't for a couple of fine saves from All Whites keeper Max Crocombe.
Ukraine had the first scoring opportunity in the 15th minute when a header from a cross forced a finger-tip save from Crocombe who was again called upon in the 30th minute to keep the Ukrainians out.
The New Zealanders were able to get back into the game after half time, but it was Ukraine who opened the scoring in the 54th minute when a strike from Oleksiy Hutsuliak just inside the penalty area beat Crocombe at the near post.
New Zealand replied five minutes later when Marko Stamenic headed home from a corner.
Liberato Cacace's corner was headed back across the goal by Michael Boxall allowing Stamenic to flick the ball into the goal.
Arsenal midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko then put Ukraine in front in the 74th when he was left unmarked in the box and powered home a cross.
All Whites goalkeeper Max Crocombe is forced into a save against Ukraine during the Canadian Shield men's football tournament in Toronto.
Photo:
Kevin Sousa /
Coach Darren Bazeley made three changes from the side that beat Cōte d'Ivoire with Michael Boxall starting at right-back, Matt Garbett on the left wing and Ben Waine up front.
Callum McGowatt was left out of the side while Bill Tuiloma and Kosta Barbarouses were on the bench along with Chris Wood.
Ukraine made nine changes from the side that lost 4-2 to Canada in their opening game.
Ukraine took a young side to the tournament, including a half a dozen players that play domestically in Ukraine, while the rest came from other parts of Europe.
There are just two games each in the Canadian Shield tournament with the team with most points winning the title.
Canada play Cōte d'Ivoire later on Wednesday.
