Ukraine boost knockout hopes
Andriy Yarmolenko grabbed a goal and an assist as Ukraine edged out North Macedonia 2-1 on Thursday to boost their chances of reaching the European Championship knockout stages, leaving their opponents' hopes hanging by a thread.
Yarmolenko put Ukraine ahead from a corner in the 29th minute and then Ukraine's captain helped double the lead five minutes later. Ezgjan Alioski dragged North Macedonia back into the match from a 57th-minute penalty after Karavaev fouled Goran Pandev. Georgiy Bushchan saved the spot kick but the ball rebounded straight back to Alioski who fired home his second attempt. Ukraine were awarded a late penalty but Dimitrievski batted away Ruslan Malinovskyi's effort from the spot.
The defeat means North Macedonia, who lost 3-1 to Austria in their first game in Group C, need Austria to beat Netherlands later on Thursday if they are extend their stay at their first major tournament.
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