FIFA Rankings
Ukraine 52 France 14
Last Time Out
Despite being on a Huddersfield like unbeaten run and having far more possession and shots against the English, the French came away from their opening game with just a point. For all their movement and tidy passing they failed to trouble the English goal that often. They were also quite happy to "put it about a bit" to block English runners, something that is likely to draw more fouls and free-kicks against the home side.
Ukraine turned round a one goal deficit to Sweden with two Shevchenko goals much to the relief of the UK commentators who are always much more comfortable fixating on players they have heard of (ie have played in the premiership). But Sweden ran the co-hosts very close and the home side looked vulnerable at the back.
Predictions
Ukraine have the luxury of topping the group and home advantage while France will not wish to go into the last match without a win. Expect to see France again dominate possession but this time turning that into goals. Dodgy pen will rescue the hosts. Ukraine 2 France 2
Ones to Watch
Ukraine: Andriy Yarmolenko - The "new Shevchenko" by all accounts. A goal scoring left winger/forward
France: Super Yann. That's M'vila not Kermorgant. Left on the bench in the last game Blanc may call on this defensive midfielder to bring more decisive passing to their midfield
Odds
France – 11/10
Ukraine – 3/1
Draw – 9/4
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Comments
France may need 3 to win it but a couple of half decent efforts from both Nasri and Benzema should seal a win.
I think a France win is a better bet than an English one unfortunately (but due largely to my estimation of the opposition's defences).
Ukraine 0 v France 2
Benzema to score anytime ( 7-4 Betfair)
Evra to be shown a card ( 3-1 Betfair )
Would love a draw though.
I can see Ukraine winning.
Yarmolenko did look lively though so can see him getting one back for them.
This is ridiculous. EUFA knew that Ukraine had weather and they still went ahead. If that had been English weather.......
I think I might have to switch to the BBC
Thought Menez was never going to score - until he did.
Ukrainian keeper looks like a young, Roy Chubby Brown.