World Cup Football

Ukraine

2006 in Germany is the first appearance of a Ukraine team at the World Cup Finals.
Ukraine have taken part in two previous preliminary competitions, losing only in the play-offs. In 1997 the Ukrainian national team were beaten by Croatia 2-0 and 1-1.
Four years later they lost the crucial decider 4-1 to the eventual 2002 runners-up Germany. They had finished the group phase in second place behind Poland and were unlucky to draw Germany, undoubtedly the strongest team in the play-offs.
Ukraine's best wins came in 1998 and 1999. In 1998 they beat Georgia 4-0 and a year later defeated Andorra by the same margin. Their heaviest defeat came in 1995 when they lost to Croatia 4-0.
Where is Ukraine? Check out this map.