Georgia's David Odikadze (left) tries to put Serhiy Shyshchenko of Ukraine under pressure (©AFP)Ukraine realise World Cup dream
Saturday, 3 September 2005by Soso Kotoreishvili
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PrintUkraine have become the first European nation to join hosts Germany in the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals, even though a brilliant last-minute goal by Georgia's Georgi Gakhokidze denied them victory.
Danish heroes
In a game played behind closed doors in Tbilisi due to incidents in Georgia's home matches against Greece and Turkey, both sides had their share of chances. Ukraine knew a victory would give them a first major finals as an independent nation. But although that was denied, Denmark's dramatic 2-2 draw against Turkey less than two hours later meant Ukraine were confirmed as Group 2 winners with two games to spare.
Fine saves
Andriy Shevchenko first threatened Georgi Lomaia's goal on five minutes, while Ukraine custodian Olexandr Shovkovskiy was called into action to deny a smart shot by Levan Kobiashvili another five minutes later. Blokhin's men gradually increased their advantage, as on 17 minutes Anatoliy Tymoschuk unleashed a powerful shot from 25 metres, but Lomaia was on hand to parry it. A minute later Shevchenko was at it again, but the Georgian goalkeeper kept him out once more.
Ukraine ahead
Four minutes before the break Andriy Voronin received a long pass and raced one-on-one with Lomaia, but this time the custodian used his leg to deflect a goalbound shot. However, Ukraine still scored before half-time as Zurab Khizanishvili could only head a cross to Ruslan Rotan, who made no mistake from close range.
Asatiani flair
The Georgians could have equalised on 57 minutes as Gakhokidze rolled the ball for Georgi Demetradze, who shot straight at the goalkeeper. Malkhaz Asatiani added further flair as he moved from midfield to attack, and his magnificient long-range lob soon after almost had Shovkovskiy beaten, but the goalkeeper's last-ditch save kept Ukraine on course for Germany.
Superb equaliser
Rotan could have put the game out of Georgia's reach on 81 minutes, but his point-blank range shot rattled the post. Georgia coach Gaioz Darsadze then introduced another striker in the shape of Mikheil Ashvetia, who was fouled in the vicinity of the penalty area. The free-kick was brilliantly executed by Gakhokidze, who curled the 25-metre effort right into the top corner.
Final twist
Ukraine thought they would still need to draw at home to Turkey on Wednesday to qualify, but Danish substitute Søren Larsen's last-gasp goal in Istanbul changed all that. Georgia go to Denmark in midweek.
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