Coleman pleased with Ukraine outing despite loss

Wales coach Chris Coleman was happy with his team’s performance in Ukraine, though he lamented another goal conceded from a set-piece.

Coleman’s side suffered a 1-0 defeat in an international friendly in Kiev on Monday.

Andriy Yarmolenko’s 27th-minute effort decided the contest after the unmarked forward got on the end of Ruslan Rotan’s free-kick, and Coleman was left to bemoan Wales’ defending, having conceded similarly in their 1-1 draw with Northern Ireland last week.

“It was a good test for us. We play Russia and Slovakia [along with England in Group B at Euro 2016], that will be very similar,” Coleman said after the game.

“I think we know that we’ve come to a tough place to play. With both games [Ukraine and Northern Ireland] we are really pleased overall with the players.

“The only thing I’m disappointed with is the two goals we conceded from set pieces.”

Not the result we were looking for but a lot of positives to take from that game in to the Euros!! Can’t wait now!

— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) March 28, 2016

Wales and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, who missed the match as he continues his recovery from a calf injury and adjusts to life as a father of two, tweeted: “Not the result we were looking for but a lot of positives to take from that game in to the Euros!! Can’t wait now!”