Ukraine 0-0 Croatia

Oct 12 2008 Mark Kimmett Reports

CROATIA'S Group Six woes continued as they drew a blank in Ukraine to lose more ground in the qualification chase. After a 4-1 hammering at home to England last month Slaven Bilic's men needed victory to keep their World Cup hopes on track but rarely threatened in a timid first half.

The Euro 2008 quarter-finalists finally got their act together after the break and carved out a couple of chances but Ukraine held firm to bolster their playoff ambitions.

Backed by a partisan home crowd, Ukraine dominated possession in the first half and Andriy Shevchenko was denied repeatedly by Croatia keeper Stipe Pletikosa.

The AC Milan forward embarked on a brilliant solo run in the 33rd minute, racing half the length of the pitch before crossing for midfielder Denys Golaydo who wastefully sliced the ball wide.

Shevchenko also blasted a free-kick off target from just outside the box on the stroke of half-time after Oleksandr Aliyev had been brought down by Niko Kovac.

Raging gaffer Bilic clearly gave given his men a bollocking at the break and they responded within five minutes as Hamburg striker Ivica Olic saw his powerful header from a corner rattle the crossbar.

Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric then had a great chance to snatch a winner nine minutes from the end but Andriy Pyatov made a fingertip save to ensure a stalemate.

The result leaves the Croats five points behind group leaders England, who still have a 100 per cent record, after three games.

Croatia, whose only win so far came in the opening qualifier against Kazakhstan, are languishing third on four points and next host Andorra on Wednesday.

Ukraine are looking good in second place with seven points and don't have another game until they travel to England next April.