World Cup qual - Ukraine lose Aliev for Croatia qualifier

Eurosport - Fri, 05 Jun 15:22:00 2009

Ukraine have lost Olexandr Aliev ahead of their World Cup qualifier in Croatia after the midfielder tore a ligament in his ankle.

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Aliev, who was influential during Dynamo Kiev's Champions League and UEFA Cup campaigns last season, will be out of action for a month.

Croatia have struggled in their Group 7 qualifiers and need to win at the weekend to keep their chances alive of making next year's finals in South Africa.

England top the group with 15 points from five games with Croatia on 10 points while Ukraine have seven from four matches.

Ukraine coach Olexiy Mikhaylichenko has indicated his team will take no risks on Saturday, insisting his priority was to avoid defeat given they have a game in hand.

Reuters

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