Ukrainian forward Andriy Shevchenko (Back) vies with Tunisian defender Anis Ayari during a Group H match at the FIFA World Cup 2006 in the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, June 23, 2006. Ukraine won 1-0. (Xinhua Photo)

    Both teams fielded the same side they played in their last fixtures, in which Ukraine crushed Saudi Arabia 4-0 and Tunisia lost to Spain 3-1.

    Nine minutes into the game, Tunisian forward Zied Jaziri got achance in the penalty area but he was showed the yellow card for fake stumble.

    Tunisian midfielder Adel Chedli's long shot flew over the crossbar on 14 minutes.

    As Spain led Saudi Arabia in the first half, a win could have given Tunisia the runners-up spot in Group H, but their task was made all the more difficult when they had striker Zied Jaziri sent off for a second bookable offence on the stroke of half-time. Ukraine threatened as the first half came to an end. Again the back line of Tunisia held firm.

Ukrainian midfielder Oleg Shelayev (L) vies with Tunisian midfielder Hamed Namouchi during a Group H match at the FIFA World Cup 2006 in the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, June 23, 2006. Ukraine won 1-0. (Xinhua Photo)

    "After the sending-off, my players probably took it a bit too easy," said Blokhin.

    "I was nervous until the very end. Now I'm very satisfied," he added.

    Despite losing a man, Tunisia did not play conservatively in the second half.

    A long free-kick was directed towards Tunisian defender RadhiJaidi in the 50th minute but he was penalized for pushing. On 66 minutes, Tunisian defender Anis Ayari's free-kick was struck well and landed on the top of the netting.

Ukrainian defender Andriy Nesmachnyi (L) vies with Tunisian midfielder Riadh Bouazizi during a Group H match at the FIFA World Cup 2006 in the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, June 23, 2006. Ukraine won 1-0. (Xinhua Photo)

    It was the nearest either team came to break the deadlock. The 84th minute saw a chance for Ukraine to double their leadbut Oleg Shelayev, running on to a pull-back from the right flank,wafted the effort over the bar.

    In injury time, a Tunisia free-kick was glanced on by substitute Santos but it flew narrowly wide.Roger Lemerre's side will depart Germany after having taken part in their third consecutive FIFA World Cup, but 2006 also represents the third consecutive tournament that they have failed to get past the group stage.

    Ukraine are now looking forward to a second round tie against the winners of Group G in Cologne on June 26. Enditem