UKRAINE’S squad was rocked ahead of their World Cup play-off showdown with Sweden – after they were ROBBED during their training camp.
Arsenal striker as former West Ham and Chelsea chief Graham Potter guided his side to within touching distance of the summer extravaganza.
Ukraine’s team hotel was robbed before their World Cup play-offCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Viktor Gyokeres notched a hat-trickCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
But members of Ukraine’s national team, bossed by ex-Tottenham striker Sergei Rebrov, could be forgiven if their mind was elsewhere when they suffered a 3-1 loss.
Record report that thieves broke into their hotel when they were in Benidorm preparing for the showdown.
Ukraine’s biggest names were stunned to find that thousands of euros worth of watches and luxury items, along with cash, had been stolen.
It resulted in the squad flying to Valencia, where the clash with took place, without cherished belongings.
Ukrainian journalist Igor Burbas said: “Before the trip to Valencia, the national team was literally robbed.
“It happened at the hotel, when they were out of their rooms.
“Unknown individuals broke into the rooms and robbed the players and coaching staff.
“They stole money, luxury items and watches valued at thousands of euros.
“Alberto Bosch, Sergei Rebrov’s assistant, had €1,800 stolen from him, for example. What kind of state of mind can the team have after that?”
Everton defender and Brentford midfielder Yehor Yarmolyuk were among the names in Ukraine’s starting line-up against Sweden.
Watches and luxury items were stolen from members of the Ukraine squadCredit: Getty
Everton defender Vitaliy Mykolenko was among those in the teamCredit: Reuters
But Gyokeres put them to the sword by notching a sensational hat-trick at the home of side Levante.
Matviy Ponomarenko grabbed what proved to only be a consolation in the closing stages.
Sweden will now face Poland on March 31 with a last-gasp ticket to the up for grabs.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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