The news about Illya Zabarnyi is no more exciting in Paris than elsewhere. More than six months after his arrival in the French capital, the Ukrainian defender is struggling to convince. He certainly had some nice interludes like against Le Havre at the beginning of March (0-1), or against Barça in the Champions League (1-2), but it would be an exaggeration to say that his performance is up to the cost of his transfer (around 63 million euros).
Substitute against Chelsea during the two Champions League confrontations, the former Bournemouth player then played the entire match against Nice, just before the break (0-4). An international window that he looked forward to with optimism, given that Ukraine was still in the running to participate in the next World Cup. But Zabarnyi and Ukraine will ultimately have to postpone their dreams, while the country has not participated in a World Cup since 2006 (its one and only participation).
Not entirely clear on two Swedish goals
Against Sweden last night, his team was shattered and he was the first (1-3). The Ukrainian captain watched as Gyökeres mercilessly sprayed home a hat-trick to send his country into the play-off final against Poland. The first goal had already announced the darkness of his evening. Beaten in a duel by Gyökeres at the start of the action, he then forgot it behind his back.
On the Swede’s last goal, the blame was shared between Tymchyk, guilty of the poorly adjusted back pass, and Zabarnyi, eaten by a much quicker Gyökeres to recover the ball and obtain a penalty against Trubin. It is unlikely that this evening will be particularly beneficial for Zabarnyi’s confidence, but the Ukrainian will quickly have to get his head back on track when he returns to the club.
