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Ukraine hit by Voronin injury blow
Voronin celebrates the win over Switzerland but his World Cup is over through injury. SPECIAL REPORTPOTSDAM, Germany -- Ukraine striker Andriy Voronin will miss the rest of the World Cup after picking up a thigh injury in the match against Switzerland, team officials said on Wednesday. "Andrei is distraught that the World Cup is over for him," said Ukraine spokesman Igor Mirochnichenko. The 26-year-old Bayer Leverkusen player is to stay on with the rest of the squad at their Potsdam base as they prepare for Friday's quarterfinal against Italy in Hamburg. It is a severe blow to the Ukrainians who have recovered their composure after being thrashed 4-0 by Spain in their opening match. Voronin was a key figure in subsequent victories over Saudi Arabia and Tunisia and helped them defeat Switzerland on penalties in their second round match. He picked up the injury during the second half of the Switzerland clash. The 26-year-old Voronin works well with Andriy Shevchenko, one of the world's most feared strikers, and the pair have played together in every match in the tournament so far. Coach Oleg Blokhin could replace him with Andriy Vorobei, who started against Switzerland on Monday when attacking midfielder Serhiy Rebrov was dropped to the bench. With Voronin out, the experienced Rebrov is likely to return to the starting line-up. Also back in the frame for Friday's match is defender Volodymir Yezersky, who missed the last three games with a thigh injury. "He has been back in full training. If Blokhin needs to use him, he is ready to play," said Miroshnychenko.
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