Ukraine eye first World Cup finals with Denmark victory

Andriy Voronin(R) of Ukraine is about to score as he fights for a ball against Christian Poulsen(L) of Denmark during their World Cup 2006 qualifying match in Kiev. Ukraine won 1-0

Ukraine shrugged off the absence of injured star striker Andrei Shevchenko to beat Denmark 1-0 and take another huge step towards their first ever World Cup finals.

Bayer Leverkusen forward Andrei Voronin's second-half goal confirmed Ukraine's top spot in Group Two where they now have 17 points from seven matches.

Ukraine national coach Oleg Blokhin said the result was the perfect response to his critics.

"Just look at the scoreboard and our group table," he said. "That's the best comment on the match and my answer to those who wanted me resign."

Earlier this month Blokhin stepped down from his post after a row over his position as a member of parliament. The country's football federation then confirmed him as national coach following a court decision, which allowed Blokhin to manage the squad.

"They were a difficult and physically tough opposition," said Blokhin of the Danes.

"We started nervously and Denmark were in command in the first half but later we managed to level the playing. I'm really happy that Andrei (Shevchenko) came to Kiev to support his teammates though he was unavailable for the match. He is our true leader and his support during the break helped us a lot to clinch the desired win."

European Footballer of the Year Shevchenko, who attended the press conference, said it was much more difficult for him to watch the game than to play himself, adding he was happy with the result.

Oleksiy Byelik(R) of Ukraine challenges Thomas Helveg(L) of Denmark during their World Cup 2006 qualifying match in Kiev. Ukraine won 1-0

"It's much better to play than to sit and watch," said the AC Milan striker.

"I'm really happy that we won the game and came a step closer to our first ever World Cup finals."

Denmark manager Morten Olsen insisted his team still had the chance to qualify for the finals despite being eight points behind the Czechs with just five games left.

"We played our best today but it was not enough," Olsen said. "We played better in the first half and had chances to score but missed them.

"After the break Ukraine converted their chance, while we missed ours again. Nevertheless we still have a chance of finishing in second place and we'll do everything to take it."

The hosts, weakened by the absence of Shevchenko, came into the match aiming to prove they were not just a one-man squad.

But the visitors, who were also in desperate need of a win to keep alive their chances of making the 2006 finals, provided tough opposition, keeping the Ukraine defence on its toes.

Both teams battled for the breakthrough but Ukraine had to wait until the 68th minute for the vital goal.

Dynamo Kiev halfback Oleg Gusev carved his way forward and was unfortunate to see his powerful drive from just inside the box come back off the post.

However, Voronin picked up the rebound and fired the ball in under the outstretched arms of Denmark keeper Thomas Soerensen.

Denmark pushed forward looking for an equaliser and Martin Joergensen had a clear chance to pull level but sent the ball wide from the edge of the six-yard box with seven minutes remaining.