Andriy Yarmolenko strikes again as Ukraine record first-leg victory over Slovenia

Ukraine earned a two-goal advantage over Slovenia in the first-leg of the European Championship qualifiers courtesy of strikes from Andriy Yarmolenko and Yevhen Seleznyov.

Dynamo Kyiv star Yarmolenko opened the scoring after just 22 minutes – it was his fifth goal of the current campaign.

Mykhaylo Fomenko’s side dominated from start to finish and Seleznyov doubled their advantage just nine minutes after the restart.

The 30-year-old was denied a brace a short while later when – after being played through on goal – he was denied by the post.

Ukraine will be disappointed they didn’t add further to the score-line but will be confident of finishing the job in the second-leg in Slovenia on Tuesday night and ending their play-off hoodoo having losing their five previous encounters.

22’ - GOAL - Ukraine 1-0 Slovenia! Yarmolenko opens the scoring for the hosts with a tidy finish. Konoplyanka delivered a cross towards the back post, Handanovic doesn't get a clear connection on his punch and the ball falls kindly to Yarmolenko who makes no mistake by burying his shot into the corner of the net.

27’ - OVER! Ilicic fires a shot over the bar from the edge of the penalty box - he should have at least hit the target.

33’ - SAVE! Yarmolenko, the goalscorer, tees off Rybalka who strikes a first-timed shot from distance forcing Handanovic into a good save. The rebound is cleared.

54’ - GOAL - Ukraine 2-0 Slovenia! Seleznyov bags the second for the hosts as he slides in at the far post from Fedetskiy's wonderful low cross.

57’ - SAVE! Garmash should extend Ukraine's lead as he finds himself unmarked at the back post to meet a cross but his diving header is well saved by Handanovic.

68’ - POST! Some woeful defending from Slovenia allows Seleznyov to be slipped through on goal but he is denied by the post!

Andriy Yarmolenko scores his fifth goal in Euro qualification, equalling Guseinov and Rebrov for second-most goals for Ukraine. Only Shevchenko has more (10).

Ukraine defeat Slovenia 2-0 at home giving them 82% chance of reaching the final tournament next year.

Ukraine’s play-off hoodoo could finally be broken – They have lost their five previous play-off matches - including a defeat to Slovenia in 2000 – but Ukraine deserve to finally progress this time. Mykhaylo Fomenko’s side simply seemed hungrier than their opponents. They boast an impressive defensive record and that should be enough to contain Slovenia in the second-leg.

Andriy Yarmolenko (Ukraine) - Took his goal exceptionally well, breaking the deadlock on 22 minutes and was involved again in his side’s second goal. His international goalscoring record is incredible – he is his country’s second-highest scorer with 21 goals in 54 games and his proficiency in front of goal will be crucial if – and when – Ukraine qualify for the finals.

Ukraine: Pyatov 6, Khacheridi 6, Shevchuk 8, Fedetskiy 8, Rakitskiy 7, Konoplyanka 7, Sydorchuk 7, Rybalka 7, Garmash 7, Yarmolenko 9, Seleznyov 8. Subs: Malinovskiy 6, Karavayev N/A, Kravets 6.

Slovenia: Handanovič 7, Brečko 5, Cesar 5, B. Ilić 5, Jokić 5, Kurtič 6, Birsa 6, Kampl 7, Krhin 6, Iličić 5, Novakovič 6. Subs: Pečnik 6, Ljubijankič N/A, Bezjak 5.