Vitaliy Mykolenko played the full 90 and helped Ukraine keep a clean sheet as they began their Nations League campaign with an impressive 1-0 victory over Hungary in Budapest on Friday night.
The Everton left-back started on the left of Ukraine’s defence at the Puskás Arena and was still there at the final whistle as the visitors held on under pressure to take all three points.
Danylo Sikan scored the only goal three minutes before half-time, heading Georgiy Sudakov’s cross beyond Balazs Toth. Hungary had made the brighter start, and Daniel Lukacs struck the woodwork, but Ukraine grew into the contest before finding the breakthrough.
Mykolenko helps Ukraine see out Hungary pressure
Hungary finished with 57% possession and 17 attempts compared with Ukraine’s 10, although only four of those efforts forced goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk into saves.
Mykolenko remained on the pitch throughout as Ukraine protected their narrow advantage, with the Everton defender part of a back four that stood firm despite increasing pressure from the hosts. The task became harder in stoppage time when substitute Oleksandr Nazarenko was dismissed after collecting a second yellow card, but Hungary couldn’t take advantage.
It continues a good start to the season for Mykolenko, who has been a regular in David Moyes’ defence during Everton’s unbeaten opening to the campaign. The Blues have kept five clean sheets in seven matches in all competitions, and another shutout on international duty made it a productive night’s work for the 27-year-old.
Mykolenko could be involved again on Monday when Ukraine travel to Georgia for their second Nations League fixture. Georgia began their campaign with a 1-0 home defeat against Northern Ireland on Friday.
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