France (0) v Ukraine (2): World Cup play-off match preview

A look ahead to tonight’s Fifa World Cup qualifying play-off in Paris

Franck Ribery is brought down during France's 2-0 defeat by Ukraine on Friday (GETTY IMAGES)

France face an uphill battle to qualify for next year’s World Cup Finals in Brazil after losing their first play-off match to Ukraine 2-0.

With more goals needed for France to reduce their deficit, they must beat a side who last week recorded their eighth clean sheet since manager Mikhail Fomenko took over the Ukrainian side in 2012. France will also be without Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny, who is suspended following his red card in the first leg. If they qualify, Les Blues will be aiming to redeem themselves at next years tournament following an embarrassing World Cup campaign in South Africa in 2010 that saw the squad refuse to train for manager Raymond Domenech following a dispute with Nicolas Anelka.

KICK-OFF: Tuesday, 8.00pm

PAST MEETINGS

Ukraine 2 (Zozulya, Yarmolenko) France 0, World Cup Qualifying, Play-Off, November 2013

Ukraine 0 France 2 (Menez, Cabaye), Euro Championships, Group Stage, June 2012

Ukraine 1 (Tymoshchuk) France 4 (Martin (2) Gameiro, Kaboul) International Friendly, June 2011

Ukraine 2 (Voronin, Shevchenko) France 2 (Henry, Govou) Euro Championships, November 2007

STATS…

France have not failed to qualify for a major tournament since the 1994 World Cup, when they finished third in a qualifying group behind Sweden and Bulgaria.

Ukraine have won their last four away games, their joint-best run ever (after September 2004-June 2005).

No team has ever qualified for a major tournament (World Cup or European Championship) having lost the first leg 2-0 away from home.

France are unbeaten against Ukraine at home (W2, D1) without conceding a single goal.

Only Spain have conceded fewer goals (3) than Ukraine (4) in the European WC 2014 qualifiers.

ODDS…

France to win: 1.44

Ukraine to win: 9.5

Draw: 4.75