Ukraine and Spain share points in Kiev

Spain remained on top of the 2004 European championship qualifying Group Six after a 2-2 draw with hosts Ukraine.

Andrei Voronin and Alexander Gorshkov scored for Ukraine, while Real Madrid marksman Raul Gonzales and Valencia halfback Ruben Baraja were on target for the visitors.

The result left Spain top with seven points from three matches, one point clear of second-placed Ukraine, who have already played four games.

Ukraine got off to a lively start through striker Voronin who netted an opening goal 10 minutes into the match, firing the ball in after fellow teammate striker Andrei Vorobei lobbed from the right over Michel Salgado and 'keeper Iker Casillas.

The guests went in search of an equaliser but failed to overcome Ukraine's defence well-marshalled by Alexander Shovkovsky, while the hosts created several chances on the counter-attacks.

After the interval Spain came out on the attack, looking much more concentrated and pinning the hosts back, but Ukraine's defence still managed to keep their net clear.

Later on the hosts, spurred by a capacity 82,00-crowd, created a perfect chance for Vorobei on the counter-attack but Ukraine's striker allowed Spain's defender Michel Salgado to clear the ball.

The visitors upped the pressure and their star striker Raul pulled the scores level when sending the ball into the net after a ricochet with seven minutes remaining.

Baraja put Spain 2-1 ahead in the 87th minute, beating Shovkovsky on a breakaway, but Russia's Ramenskoye side skipper Alexander Gorshkov saved the day for Ukraine firing in from 25 metres in the injury time.