A wild thunderstorm threatened to deny us the pleasure of Ukraine vs. France in Donetsk.
After 4 minutes and 27 seconds of play, the teams were called off and and remained off for almost an hour as the weather got all of the anger out of its system.
When play resumed, France cruised to a 2-0 win and Sports Mole has analysed the action.
Ukraine Statistics:
Shots 9
On target 2
Possession 48%
Corners 5
Fouls 7
France Statistics:
Shots 16
On target 11
Possession 52%
Corners 6
Fouls 16
Was the result fair?
The best team undoubtedly won.
Ukraine's performance
Subdued. The early suspension of play did not help the hosts at all. Some fans left and the spirits of the majority who remained had been well and truly dampened by the weather. Therefore the atmosphere suffered and the French were allowed to settle.
France's performance
Composed and assured. They shaded the first half without creating much. However, they came out for the second half in style and could have won by more. Their defence looked solid throughout.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Jeremy Menez: He scored the opener and made Yevgen Selin's life a living hell with his pace and trickery. However, the PSG winger was a tad fortunate to remain on the field in the first half as, whilst on a yellow card, he went in high and late on Selin but escaped an early bath.
Referee performance
Aside from not sending Menez off, Damir Skomina had a very good evening. He was decisive and made the correct call in taking the players off the field amid scary weather conditions.
What next?
Ukraine: Ukraine will most likely have to beat England in Donetsk on Tuesday in order to reach the quarter finals. Of course, history is in the host's favour. England lost 1-0 to Ukraine in October 2009 in what was the pair's only meeting outside of Britain to date.
France: France look certainties to reach the last eight. A draw against the sloppy Swedes should be enough.
