Oleh Blokhin is synonymous with Ukrainian soccer.
A legend with Dynamo Kiev during his playing career, Blokhin further cemented his status as a national hero when he took over as manager of Ukraine’s national team and guided his country to its first World Cup appearance in 2006.
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But now Blokhin is set to end his second tenure in charge of Ukraine in order to take over the managerial reins at his beloved Dynamo Kiev.
Can Ukraine achieve glory without is favourite son in charge?
THE GROUP
Ukraine will have its work cut out in Group H, drawn together with Euro 2012 rival England, plus tricky opponents in the form of Poland and Montenegro. Lightweights San Marino and Moldova round out the group
The nine group winners from the UEFA section automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the eight best second-place nations are paired off in home-and-away playoffs with the winner earning a ticket to Brazil.
THE MARQUEE MATCH
Although England is the favourite to win this group, first place really is up for grabs with Ukraine, Poland and Montenegro having a legitimate shot at taking one of the top two spots. While Ukraine’s home match against England in September naturally draws the eye, it’s the home tie with Poland on Oct. 11, on the second-last matchday of the group that will likely determine the Ukrainians’ fate.
THE COACH
Oleg Blokhin is manager of Ukraine’s national team – for now.
Winner of the 1975 Ballon d’Or during his playing days, Blokhin is considered one of the greatest Ukrainian players in history, and one of the best strikers in the world during the 1970s. He played in two World Cups (1982 and 1986) and was a legend at club level with Dynamo Kiev during his almost 20-year run with the team.
After retiring he went into coaching, and managed several Greek sides before taking over Ukraine’s national side in 2003, and leading his country to its first World Cup berth three years later. Under his guidance, Ukraine advanced to the quarter-finals where they lost to eventual winners Italy.
Blokhin stepped down in 2007, but began his second spell in charge of Ukraine in 2011, in just enough time to prepare the team for Euro 2012.
He recently was named head coach of Dynamo Kiev, but promised to lead Ukraine through its final two World Cup qualifiers of the year, against Moldova and Montenegro in October. His successor has yet to be named.
BIGGEST STRENGTH
If World Cup qualifying was a track meet, Ukraine would have to be considered among the favourites. The team boasts great speed and can beat most opponents with its pace, especially down the flanks through wingers Oleg Gusev and Andriy Yarmolenko, who create scoring chances. Yevhen Konoplyanka also offers speed on the wing.
BIGGEST WEAKNESS
Defence is a bit of an issue for Ukraine. Its back four is anything but resolute, the team lacks genuine defensive depth, and Dmytro Chygrynskiy (one of Ukraine’s defensive standouts) is coming off a lengthy injury problem.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Anatoliy Tymoshchuk serves as Ukraine’s captain and on-field general. As his country’s all-time cap leaders (with over 120 appearances since making his national team debut in 2000) the Bayern Munich midfielder is a pivotal figure for his country, sitting deep and playing a holding role.
BREAKTHROUGH PLAYER
Dynamo Kiev star Andriy Yarmolenko, in his early twenties, is one of the hottest young prospects in Ukrainian soccer. Able to play either as a forward or a winger, Yarmolenko has been touted as the "new Shevchenko" thanks to his speed and scoring touch.