Impressive Greece wins at Ukraine to earn World Cup berth

Impressive Greece took a 1-0 win in the Ukraine to earn their place in World Cup 2010 next summer.  After settling for a 0-0 draw in Greece last week both sides knew a goal would be needed in the second leg to secure passage in South Africa.

Greece were content to sit back with a tight defense and counter the home Ukrainians.  They looked comfortable all night as they waited for their chance.  In the 31st minute that chance would come as a perfect pass from the midfield split the two centerbacks and Dimitrios Salpiqidis found himself in alone on goal.  Salpiqidis calmy slotted the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper and Greece had their precious away goal.

At that point it was danger time for the Ukraine who now needed two goals to overcome the away goal.  All credit to Greece though as they did well to shut down the usually dangerous Andriy Shevchenko.  Ukraine had a few chances to score but were never clean in their finishing as the home crowd moaned each miss.

After four minutes of injury time Greece had the 1-0 victory and their spot in World Cup 2010.  Greece could definitely be a surprise team next summer as they showed a tight defense in shutting out Shevchenko and Ukraine over the two legs of the playoff.  It will be Greece's first World Cup appearance since 1994.