Ukraine's national team advanced to the 1/4 of the World Cup on penalties Despite holding territorial advantage, the Ukrainians could not score in either regulation or extra time.
During the post-match penalty shootout, the Ukrainians took the first kicks. Shevchenko failed to score the first penalty, but the next three were converted by Milevskyi, Rebrov and Husiev. Meanwhile, Ukraine's goalkeeper Oleksandr Shovkovskyi saved two Swiss penalties, and Barnetta hit the upper crossbar. The penalty score was 3:0.
Thus, on July 1, Ukraine will play in the 1/4 final against Italy, which reached the quarterfinals thanks to a controversial penalty in the 90th minute of the match against Australia.
President Viktor Yushchenko, on behalf of millions of Ukrainian fans, congratulated the national football team on another victory at the World Championship and advancement to the 1/4 final. This was reported by the President's press service.
With their play, Yushchenko is convinced, the Ukrainian footballers demonstrated to the whole world that they have a good command of game tactics and skillfully defend their own goal. The President thanked the players and the coaching staff for the true celebration they gave their fans. According to him, the victories of the Ukrainian national team at the World Cup are a wonderful gift to Ukrainians for the 15th anniversary of independence.
Viktor Yushchenko also noted that the successful play of the Ukrainian team works toward the unification of Ukraine and fosters patriotic feelings. After all, on the days when our national team plays, fans with blue-and-yellow flags are a common sight in any Ukrainian city.
According to the President, he, together with his family, like millions of other fans, watched yesterday's match until late at night and kept their fingers crossed for our team, especially during the penalties.
The President noted that he would certainly support our team in the next game against the Italian national team, which will take place on June 30.