Ukraine looking to get their tournament off the ground

Group H: Saudi Arabia v Ukraine Ukraine arrived at the World Cup as many people's dark horses but a 4-0 drubbing by Spain has left them doubting themselves as they languish at the bottom of the group ahead of today's game with Saudi Arabia.

Led by former European Footballer of the Year Andriy Shevchenko and strike partner Andriy Voronin, the eastern Europeans were the continent's first to qualify from a group including Turkey, Denmark and Euro 2004 champions Greece.

Yet they looked helpless against a rampant Spain in Leipzig on Wednesday, with Shevchenko a shadow of his usual self given his lack of match fitness after a month out with a knee injury.

They are without experienced central defender Vladislav Vashchyuk after a red card against Spain and unless Shevchenko can find his touch fast they may struggle to beat a Saudi team heartened by an opening draw against Tunisia.

Ukraine midfielder Oleg Gusev is a doubtful starter with a knee injury, while Saudi captain Sami Al Jaber, who scored in the 2-2 draw with Tunisia, has shaken off a thigh problem and is expected to play.

A point against Tunisia somewhat redeemed Saudi Arabia for an embarrassing first-round exit at the last finals, where they conceded 12 goals and failed to score in three straight defeats.

Victory against Ukraine would take them within touching distance of a place in the second round. Coach Marcos Paqueta said: "It will be vital that we keep Shevchenko and Voronin quiet. We'd still be alive if we draw but with Spain to play in the last game we need to win this game if we want to advance."

Probable line-ups

Saudi Arabia (4-4-2)

Zaid; Dokhi, Sulaimani, Al Ghamdi, Al Montashari; Al Khariri, Noor, Al Temyat, Al Thaker; Al Jaber, Al Qahtani

Ukraine (4-4-2)

Shovkovsky; Yezersky, Rusol, Chigrinsky, Nesmachny; Gusin, Timoshchyuk, Shelayev, Rotan; Shevchenko, Voronin

Referee: Graham Poll (England)

Kick-off: 5.0pm

Venue: Stadion Hamburg

On TV: RTÉ 2 and UTV