Ukraine star goalkeeper Shovkovskiy retires

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) -- Veteran Ukraine goalkeeper Olexandr Shovkovskiy has announced his retirement from international football, ending an 18-year career.

Shovkovskiy had 92 international caps for Ukraine and became the first goalkeeper in World Cup history not to concede a goal during a penalty shootout, saving two spot kicks against Switzerland at the 2006 World Cup.

Shovkovskiy, 37, had been sidelined with a shoulder injury since the second half of last season. He missed this year's European championship that Ukraine co-hosted with Poland.

National team coach Oleh Blokhin said earlier this week that Shovkovskiy was retiring because of his injuries but will likely continue playing for his club Dynamo once he recovers.

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