The hosts had started level with England at the top of Group Six on six points - but are now two points behind.

A point will be even more disappointing for Croatia, who lost 4-1 to England at home in their last match and are now three points behind Ukraine and only one above Belarus - who have a game in hand.

Eager to prove they are legitimate contenders for a place in South Africa 2010, Ukraine started well and could have gone ahead just after the half-hour mark.

The ever-dangerous Andriy Shevchenko - already thwarted several times by Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa - dribbled his way through before putting a cross into the box which Denys Golaydo fired narrowly wide.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic must have given his players an earful at half-time, because they were a different side after the restart.

The visitors had one of the best chances of the match five minutes into the second half when Ivica Olic sent a header crashing off the bar.

Luka Modric went even closer nine minutes from time, as he forced Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov into a fine fingertip save.

The result means Croatia should move level on points with Ukraine when they host Andorra on Wednesday.

Ukraine's next match is not until April - when they travel to England.