Ukraine breaks England's 100% record

Ukraine breaks England's 100% record

England's 100% record in their World Cup qualifying group came to an end after Serhiy Nararenko's deflected strike earned Ukraine a 1-0 victory in Dnipro.

Nazarenko's shot struck Ashley Cole and flew past substitute goalkeeper David James in the 30th minute to halt England's run of eight successive wins.

James came on after Robert Green was sent off for bringing down Artem Milevskiy in the 13th minute, but Andriy Shevchenko's spot-kick hit the post.

Play was twice held up during the first half as flares were thrown into the England penalty area.

England coach Fabio Capello hit out at Slovenian referee Damir Skomina.

Green eventually became the first England goalkeeper to be dismissed, but only after a protracted debate which started when Skomina showed a red card to Rio Ferdinand.

It took the intervention of the fourth official to get the verdict right.

Capello said: "It was a big mistake.

"Normally I don't speak about referees. This time I am changing my mind.

"Rio was running, the goalkeeper is diving. I need someone to explain to me how he can get that wrong.

"I spoke with the fourth official when the referee showed Rio the red card. He said he would tell the referee it was not Rio.

"The referee thought Rio had fouled the player but it so obviously was not him."

He added: "I am proud of my team. In the second half we played very well and created a lot of chances, right until the very last minute."

Ukraine coach Alexiy Mykhaylychenko said: "I am really pleased to get this result. We still have a game to win (to get into the play-offs) but we have given ourselves the best possible chance."