Euro 2016: Ukraine 0-1 Poland: Jakub Blaszczykowski strike sends Poles through in second
Poland secured their passage to the Euro 2016 Round of 16 with a 1-0 victory over already knocked-out Ukraine in Marseille.
Jakub Blaszczykowski sent a powerful drive into the corner of Andriy Pyatov's goal 10 minutes into the second half, which was enough to clinch the three points that sends the White Eagles through as the second placed team in Group C.
Despite the win, it was not plain sailing for the Poles, who came up against a Ukraine team far better than their previous showings had suggested.
Despite already being out of the competition, and merely fulfilling fixtures, Mykhaylo Fomenko's team were playing with a high intensity.
Aside from two early chances for Poland - Milik forcing a fine stop from Pyatov, and Lewandowski sending a clear chance over the bar - the opening half was dominated by Ukraine.
Yarmolenko went close with a long range drive, Zozulya was put through on goal before Pazdan denied him with a fantastic last ditch tackle, and then the former popped up again with a great chance - but he could only mishit his curling attempt wildly.
There was just more intent from Ukraine's play than had been seen in their opening two games, and a series of attacks kept Poland pinned back in the final third. The Yellow-Blue's defensive line were rarely troubled - at least until the 44th minute, when Jodlowiec had space to take a shot, but he could only hit it weakly at Pyatov.
Adam Nwalka clearly saw weakness in his team, and at the break he made the game-changing substitution, bringing on Blaszczykowski for the ineffective Piotr Zielinski.
And it took just 10 minutes for Blaszczykowski to rifle his left footed finish home following a well-worked short corner routine.
With Germany leading Northern Ireland at the same time, Poland were aware a second goal would improve their chances of finishing the group in first place, and Kapustka messed up a chance to double the lead moments later.
The opening strike appeared to calm the nerves of Nawalka's players for a few minutes, although they were soon facing a series of constant attacks from their opponents, Konoplyanka and Yarmolenko exerting their influence over the game.
The latter had a powerful shot blocked, and both were sending in a constant stream of crosses for the tall Zozulya - although the Polish defence stood strong.
He did manage one clear header, which flew wide of Fabianski's far post, before being denied a fantastic chance to level from yards out when Krychowiak intercepted a low cross in superb style.
That was the last chance Ukraine had to hit the back of the net, and the game ended with Yellow-Blue leaving the tournament in last place of Group C - having not scored a single goal in their miserable campaign.