Ukraine frustrated by resolute Portugal

Ukraine remain in pole position to reach UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ despite surrendering their 100 per cent record to the side at the bottom of Group 5.

Ukraine denied
The home side were heavy favourites in Chernigov having won all six of their qualifiers prior to this match, including against top seeds Denmark, while Portugal had picked up just a single point from a draw in Scotland from their seven contests. And events appeared to be going to plan for the home side when Nataliya Soukhoroukova gave them the lead six minutes in. Ukraine could not build on their advantage, however, and saw their lead slip away when Edite Fernandes levelled in added time at the end of the first half. Portugal proved good value for their point but Ukraine still know a draw in Denmark on Wednesday would ensure they qualify automatically for next summer's finals in Finland and avoid October's play-offs.