Greece beats Ukraine to end 16 year absence from World Cup

Otto Rehhagel who masterminded Greeks memorable 2004 European championship has gained another memorable achievement for his adopted country.

The Greeks booked their place to South Africa 2010 after defeating Ukraine in Donetsk in tonight's UEFA World Cup play-off.

Dimitrios Salpingidis' terrific first half strike gave the visitors the goal they needed to secure Greece's place at their first World Cup since 1994.

Greece and Ukraine, who were deadlocked at 0-0 after the first leg in Athens on Saturday, struggled to impose themselves early on in a match played on a rain-soaked pitch of the half-empty, 50,000-seater Donbass Arena.

Ukraine skipper Andrei Shevchenko missed a chance to put his team into the lead in the eighth minute, when he failed to send home a rebound after Greece 'keeper Alexandros Tzorvas deflected Alexander Aliev's shot.

The 2004 European champions then struck against the run of play when Samaras sliced open the Ukraine defence with a pass for Salpigidis to fire home.

The Greeks were lucky not to concede an equaliser just before the break when Ukraine defender Evgen Khacheridi, who had ventured forward, deflected a cross intended for Shevchenko wide.

Greece, buoyed by their lead, became more confident in the second half, tackling harder and finding more space in attack as the hosts surged forward in numbers.

With the clock ticking and in need of two goals, Ukraine came close to equalising with substitute Evgen Seleznev firing just wide on the hour.

Another effort by Yaroslav Rakytsky minutes later was blocked by Greece keeper Alexandros Tzorvas.

The final whistle found Greeks cheering in front of almost empty stands as most of the disappointed 30,000 Ukrainian fans had left before the end.