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Paqueta respects Ukraine

18 Jun 2006 - 13:14:55

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Saudi Arabia coach Marcos Paqueta has denied stoking up the fires ahead of his side's meeting with Ukraine in Hamburg.

Paqueta had been quoted as saying after seeing the World Cup finals debutants thrashed 4-0 by Spain: "Ukraine are a weak team and we have to try and get to them early."

However, he later denied calling Ukraine weak, adding: "Who? Weak? Ukraine? No.

"I did not say that. I did not say that. That's not true, it's crazy, it's wrong.

"I said it was a unique game, a difficult game for Ukraine because they were down two goals after 15 minutes."

Paqueta has enough to worry about after seeing his side ship a last-minute equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Tunisia, a strike that could prove crucial in their bid to reach the last 16.

The Sons of the Desert have few injury problems to contend with, with legendary veteran striker Sami Al-Jaber, who scored against Tunisia, set to recover from a thigh problem to feature.

Meanwhile, Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin is pondering the unthinkable and may leave superstar striker Andriy Shevchenko on the bench.

Shevchenko is still short of full fitness and failed to impress in the rout by Spain, with Blokhin tempted to recall Dynamo Kyiv striker Serhiy Rebrov to the starting line-up.

However, Shevchenko believes he is getter better all the time, saying: "Every moment on the field during the Spain match I was striving to rediscover my form.

"I felt better after the game but I still need match practice."

Midfielder Oleh Gusev is a major doubt due to a knee injury, but Andriy Vorobey is thought to be ready to feature despite a shoulder problem.

Defender Vladyslav Vaschuk will miss the game due to suspension, having been sent off against Spain, with youngster Dmytro Chygrynsky his most likely replacement.