Ukraine 0 - Spain 0

Ukraine: Rudenko; Komarnitskiy, Shershun, Puchkov, Smalko; Gusev, Oberemko, Gay (Pukanych 63'), Rotan, Vorobey (Bidnenko 91'); Bielik Balabanov 80'). 4-5-1.
Spain: Víctor Valdés, Angel (Arriaga 60'), Mario (Pablo 52'),Rubén, Asier Del Horno (Antonio López 83'); Miñambres, Arzu, Xabi Alonso, Riera; Fernando Torres, Reyes. 4-4-2.

Goals: None.

Group 6 table:
Greece............. Played 3, points: 7
Ukraine............ Played 4, points: 4
Armenia........... Played 3, points: 4
Spain................ Played 3, points: 4
N. Ireland......... Played 3, points: 1

Spain's under 21 side were held to a goal-less draw in their Euro 2004 group 6 game in the Ukraine, a result which leaves them with an uphill battle to qualify for the finals and also for the Olympic games, for which the European spots are decided according to the results of this competition. Juan Santiesteban's side were on top for the first half hour, but could not find the final touch on a terrible pitch with Xabi Alonso, Riera and Fernando Torres all failing to find the target. Víctor Valdés had to be at his best though as Ukraine came back, saving from Byelik and then from Vorobey close to half time.

Five minutes after the restart Spain were left with ten men after Rubén was sent off, and two minutes after that Rubén's partner in the centre of defence Mario limped off with an injury and had to be replaced by Pablo. Satiesteban pulled Arzu back to defence and a few minutes later brought on Arriaga for Angel, Miñambres switching back to his more usual right back position. Despite their numerical inferiority though, Fernando Torres and in particular Asier Del Horno had good chances later on, and Esteban was upset with Scottish referee Douglas McDonald when he turned down a penalty appeal for a foul on Reyes near the end.

Spain have now only taken four points from their first three games, and are currently lying fourth in their group in a three way tie with the Ukraine and Armenia, who they play next Tuesday. They must win that game, or they can wave goodbye to Portugal.