Ukraine coach Andriy Shevchenko wants his defenders to close the space afforded to Cristiano Ronaldo as they host Portugal in their Euro 2020 qualifier on Monday.
The Group B leaders welcome Cristiano Ronaldo and Co to Kiev, five points clear of the visitors and looking to book their place in next summer’s tournament.
Shevchenko’s men have enjoyed a near-perfect qualification campaign having won five and drawn one of their six matches to date.
The goalless draw came against the defending European champions in Lisbon in March.
Shevchenko’s side have been boosted by the return to fitness of West Ham forward Andriy Yarmolenko, who has featured in the last two outings, both home and away against Lithuania.
“First of all it’s very important when you play against this player not to give him space,” former AC Milan and Chelsea striker Shevchenko said of Portugal’s talisman.
“And then obviously we never tried to play individual against him but when a defence line… when they’re coming close to the box the key is to close him the space, because he’s fantastic in the box, in the moment he can find this space every time.
“This is what he does. For me is very important for our defender to close this space.”
