LONDON (AP):

THE FIRST team to qualify for last year's World Cup is struggling to reach next year's European Championship.

Ukraine, who surprisingly reached the quarter-finals in Germany, will play World Cup champions Italy today in a Euro 2008 qualifier that both teams need to win to stay near the top of Group B.

"Winning is the only thing that can save us," Ukraine captain Andriy Shevchenko said. "We have got to play this game at 200 per cent. We are battlers and this is our quality. To beat them, we are going to have to fight."

Qualifying continuing

The match is one of 22 scheduled today across Europe, with qualifying for the tournament in Austria and Switzerland continuing through November.

Italy and Ukraine have played each three times in the past 18 months, including Italy's 3-0 win in the World Cup quarter-finals.

The Italians, who won their fourth World Cup final by beating France on penalties in Berlin, were held to a 0-0 draw by the visiting French team on Saturday. Now, Italy are in danger of missing out on the European Championship as World Cup champion for the second time in 25 years.

Ukraine, who started competing in 1994 after breaking away from the Soviet Union, were held to a 1-1 draw by Georgia on Saturday and is in fourth place in Group B with 13 points. France lead with 19 points, followed by Scotland with 18 and Italy with 17. France host Scotland today.

Shevchenko will lead Ukraine's attack despite failing to play for Chelsea this season, while Italy will be without injured players Luca Toni and Gennaro Gattuso.

France, who lost at Scotland 1-0 in October, will be without striker Thierry Henry for the match at Parc des Princes.

"It is still up to us to try to eclipse either of the big two in the group, while Ukraine still pose everyone a danger," Scotland coach Alex McLeish said.

Spain, who escaped with a 1-1 draw in Iceland while playing with 10 men, are third in Group F with 16 points, the same as Northern Ireland and three behind Sweden.

"Spain have enough quality to win their remaining games," Spain defender Carlos Marchena said. "Our objective is to get to the Euros next year and not miss out. We have all that we need to get there."

Xabi Alonso is suspended after his red card against Iceland while striker Fernando Torres is doubtful because of injury.

In Group E, Croatia lead with 20 points, followed by Russia with 18 and England with 17. Croatia are at Andorra today, while England host Russia.

"We are hoping that Russia and England draw, but really we only need to look at our games," Croatia coach Slaven Bilic said. "We are 90 per cent secure."

England and Russia both won Saturday, with the English beating visiting Israel 3-0 and the Russians blanking Macedonia by the same score.

"We need to deliver the same again," said England midfielder Steven Gerrard, who played on Saturday despite a broken toe. "We need three points and another positive performance."

The Netherlands, who next visit Albania, believe their qualification is on track after a 2-0 win over Bulgaria.

Netherlands player injury

Midfielder Wesley Sneijder is in doubt with an ankle injury but Rafael van der Vaart could return after missing the Bulgaria match with a calf problem.

Romania lead Group G with 20 points, followed by the Dutch with 17 and Bulgaria with 15.

Defending European champions Greece are also in a good position at the top of Group C ahead of a visit to Norway. The Greeks have 18 points, two more than Norway, with Turkey in third with 14 points.

Turkey, 2002 World Cup semi-finalists, were held to a 2-2 draw by Malta on Saturday and need to beat Hungary today.

"We were shocked," Turkey coach Fatih Terim said. "If you don't put your heart in the game like your opponents, your game plan will collapse."

Ireland are still hopeful of qualifying from Group D despite a 2-2 draw with Slovakia. They travel to the Czech Republic today.

"We know we have to go and beat the Czechs," Ireland coach Steve Staunton said. "I know from the disappointment in the dressing room (after Slovakia) there is a real determination to put things right."