Ukraine

After missing out in two consecutive FIFA World Cup finals, Ukraine finally booked a spot in Germany, playing flawless football in the preliminary stages.

Ukraine has only contested for a FIFA World Cup finals place in 1998 and 2002, after the break-up of the erstwhile Soviet Union. Their campaign for both the 1998 and 2002 editions came to an end in the play-offs.

Oleg Blokhin, the coach, has tasted success at the highest levels of club football, and was one of the most prolific footballers to have ever played for Dynamo Kiev. He was the European footballer of the year in 1975.

For a man who set such high standards for himself, it is quite understandable when he says his team is capable of even lifting this year’s World Cup.

And with one of the most potent strikers in World football at his disposal in the form of Andriy Shevchenko, coach Blokhin’s claims could well take shape.

Other teams in Ukraine’s group include fellow Europeans Spain, African powerhouse Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.

Old stagers like Sergei Rebrov and Andriy Husin and youngster Andrey Rusol along with the prodigal Sheva constitute the new force in World football.

Ukraine would surely draw a lot of attention at this year’s competition because of their capability to play scintillating football.