Ukraine cling on against Turkey

Ukraine held onto second place in Group 2 with a dogged 0-0 draw against Turkey in Kiev, leaving them needing a home win against Albania on 7 October to be sure of making the qualifying play-offs as one of the top two in the group.

Early exchanges
The hosts edged the first half, the best early chance coming when Ruslan Fomin connected with Olexiy Sitnik's cross, only to see Can Arat clear off the line. Turkey hit back through Emre Fehmi Güngör, who went close with a powerful header from a corner. Artem Milevskyy could also have broken the deadlock when set clear by Fomin, but his lob failed to clear on-rushing goalkeeper Feuzi Elmas.

Nervy finish
With Turkey in more urgent need of the win, they committed men forward with increasing abandon in the second period, but their organised opponents soaked up the pressure before hitting on the counterattack. Olexandr Aliyev should have found the net from a Ukraine corner after excellent approach play from his colleagues, but could not keep his composure. Yevgeniy Cheberyachko missed another clear chance before nerves set in, and the home side were happy to hear the final whistle.