France 0 Ukraine 0, March 27th 1999

World Cup holders France must now be very careful to avoid embarrassment after this 0-0 draw in Paris.

Ukraine have gone two points clear in group four after this result and both countries play again on Wednesday with seemingly easy games against Armenia and Andorra.

France became the first country to take any points from Lobanovsky's side in the campaign and dominated the first half. They failed to take advantage of reasonable chances and were in the end relieved to see goalkeeper Fabien Barthez make two fine saves from Andriiy Shevchenko to prevent France falling further behind in the section.

The game failed to live up to its advance billing but with only one team certain to qualify from this group - and Iceland maintaining good form - it seems the closest division on offer in the Euro 2000 qualification round.

France have two of their next three matches at home - starting on Wednesday - and were never in serious trouble until Shevchenko showed his undoubted class but draws could end up costing them dearly under the present European Championships format.