World Cup Team Checks: Ukraine

World Cup Qualifiers

Ukraine has qualified itself for the World Cup for the first time, following two attempts in vain. And it did so extremely confidently. The team secured first place in its group already two matchdays before the qualifiers wrapped up. The Ukrainian team therefore left competitors like Denmark, Turkey and European champion Greece behind.

Stars

The undisputable star of the team is Andrej Schevchenko. The top striker from AC Milan and Bundesliga pro Andrej Voronin from Bayer 04 Leverkusen constitute one of the most dangerous forward duos in Europe.

Trainer

Ukraine's trainer Oleg Blochin is a former Soviet international and was Europe's player of the year in 1975. The ex-striker star succeeded Leonid Buryak, who was chucked out after the Ukrainian team didn't qualify for the European championships in 2004. Blochin's work is so far crowned with success. After all, the team could qualify for the World Cup in Germany under his leadership.

World Cup History

Ukraine is participating in the World Cup for the first time.

Match Schedule: Preliminary Round

June 14, 2006: Spain -- Ukraine in Leipzig

June 19, 2006: Saudi Arabia -- Ukraine in Hamburg

June 23, 2006: Ukraine -- Tunisia in Berlin

World Cup Base

The Ukrainians are the only team from the 32 World Cup squads to choose a base in the new Länder. The eastern Europeans are training in Potsdam's Luftschiffhafen stadium and living in the Seminaris Seehotel. With its service and location right on Lake Templin, it belongs to the first class hotels in the Berlin vicinity.

Outlook

Ukraine played a great World Cup qualification. Next to Spain, it is considered the main contender for one of the two top spots in Group H. A lot will depend on superstar Andrej Schevchenko's form, though. If he remains good for guaranteed goals, the eastern Europeans will play an important role at the World Cup 2006.