The preparation was hard, and the previous performances anything but promising, but now the German national soccer team seems to be on the right track, or field. The 1-1 outcome against the Ukraine on Saturday means there's still hope of making it into the World Cup rounds next year after all.

German fans heralded Saturday night's tie as a veritable victory for Germany: "Boys, we can do it! A hard fought draw - now the World Cup is within our grasp," reported the German newspaper "Bild" on Sunday.

But it was a close game, and anything but certain. The Germans will have to be on their toes on November 14.

Just luck or a hard test of skill?

The two teams were well matched. Germany was determined not to be defeated, and the Ukrainians had a strong offensive line.

The Ukraine started out fast and forceful, confirming the German's fears of a sorry night in Kiev. In only the second minute of the game, Ukraine striker Andriy Voroby swept past Thomas Linke with a good shot of the goal. It was just luck that the ball hit the post and just barely missed an early score.

Then in the 17th minute the Ukrainians struck the first goal with a surprise shot from Hennady Zubov. Down one goal, the German team quickly recovered with a goal from Bayer Leverkusen's midfielder Michael Ballack. Not even a half hour had lapsed.

In the second half of the game, both teams played rough and tough deflecting goals and putting up a hard line of defense. Goalie Oliver Kahn definitely had his work cut out for him.

Now it all comes down to this Wednesday's return game in Dortmund. A win or even a tie on the home front will push Germany into the elite list of World Cup qualifying teams.

If the Germany loses, it's all over with - the first time a national team had failed to qualify for the World Cup.