Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka just endured a Euro 2024 nightmare.
The 35-year-old is one of four Newcastle United players competing at the Euros this summer, and was almost dreaming of a place in the round of 16 with Slovakia.
They were 1-0 up at half time against Ukraine on Friday, and a win would have put them into the next round after beating Belgium in their opening game.
But Ukraine completed a second half comeback to win 2-1, with a neat finish from Roman Yaremchuk giving them a vital victory in Group E.
While it was a good goal by Ukraine, Martin Dubravka could have done so much more. The Toon stopper did not command his box, and it allowed Yaremchuk to prod home what proved to be the winner.
Joe Hart not impressed with Martin Dubravka
It was a poor bit of goalkeeping by Dubravka, who has been criticised by Joe Hart.
The former England keeper was on punditry duty for BBC, and admitted that Dubravka will be very disappointed with his efforts to stop Ukraine’s second goal.
“Dubravka’s got to wait to see what he does, whether he can come and claim it if the touch is big,” he said.
“Through the air, his thought process is ‘can I come, can I come’. No, he would have had to spear him at waist height.
“That’s a great touch, but Dubravka is going to be really disappointed with what happened next. Once the ball is brought down, it is 80-20 in his favour if he stands big or makes a long barrier, but he ends up doing nothing really and he actually looks quite worried that the ball could hit him.
“He’s going to be very disappointed.”
Newcastle United experienced similar problem with Dubravka
Martin Dubravka not coming out and commanding his area, where have we seen that before?
His error against Ukraine will come as no surprise to Newcastle United fans, who have seen the Slovakian rooted to his goal line during his spell in the Toon starting XI.
Dubravka came into the side when Nick Pope got injured, and was far from convincing. There were moments when he delivered, but he was largely disappointing and massively hindered the way in which Newcastle defended.
His inability to close down space really hurt the Magpies, and now it has proven to be an issue for Slovakia.
Move away seems likely for Dubravka with Celtic interested
It is interesting to hear Dubravka receive criticism from Joe Hart, at a time when he is linked with becoming the 37-year-old’s replacement.
Hart has been Celtic’s number one for the past three seasons, but has now retired.
The Hoops are looking for a replacement, and have been linked with a move for Dubravka. He has been told he can leave Newcastle, with a move away from St James’ Park seemingly inevitable for a player whose Toon contract expires in 2025.
Dubravka’s next Euro 2024 appearance is on Wednesday against Romania, as qualification for the next round of the competition goes down to the final group game.
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