Ukraine 2-0 Slovenia
- Published
Yarmolenko has scored 21 goals for Ukraine. Only Andriy Shevchenko, with 48, has scored more
Ukraine built a comfortable lead over Slovenia in their Euro 2016 play-off as Andriy Yarmolenko and Yevhen Seleznyov scored in a 2-0 win in Lviv.
The Euro 2012 co-hosts took the lead when Yarmolenko seized on goalkeeper Samir Handanovic's unconvincing punch.
Seleznyov slid in to convert the overlapping Artem Fedetskiy's cross after the break.
Josip Ilicic wasted a fine chance for Slovenia, but his side were fortunate not to fall further behind in the tie.
Seleznyov side-footed a tame shot against the post after Denys Garmash had directed a powerful header straight at Handanovic under little pressure.
Euro 2016 play-off dates |
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Norway v Hungary (Agg: 0-1); Second leg in Budapest (Sun 15 Nov 19:45 GMT) |
Bosnia-Herzegovina v Republic of Ireland (Agg 1-1); Second leg in Dublin (Mon 16 Nov 19:45 GMT) |
Ukraine v Slovenia (Agg 2-0); second leg in Maribor (Tue 17 Nov 19:45 GMT) |
Sweden v Denmark (Agg 2-1); Second leg in Copenhagen (Tues 17 Nov 19:45 GMT) |
Ukraine have lost in five previous qualifying play-offs for major tournaments - including a 3-2 aggregate reverse when they played Slovenia for a place at Euro 2000.
With former heavyweight boxing champion, now mayor of Kiev, Vitali Klitschko watching on in the stands, there seemed little chance of a repeat as Yarmolenko - the target of an unsuccessful bid by Premier League side Everton in August - and Yevhen Konoplyanka pulling the strings.
Despite a spell of late pressure, Slovenia, who picked up two of five yellow cards in a tetchy encounter, will have to show more adventure in the return in Maribor on Tuesday.