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The gulf in class eventually shone through as France outplayed hosts Ukraine to put themselves in a great position to qualify for the quarter finals. Jeremy Menez and Yohan Cabaye benefited from sublime assists from Karim Benzema as the 1998 World Cup winners routed Ukraine 2-0.
Ukraine:
Andriy Pyatov: Could do very little about the goals, but produced 2 brilliant saves in the first half off Menez and Mexes to ensure his team went in level at Halftime. Rating: 6.5/10
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Yevhen Selin: Only involvement of note was the superb ball he provided to Shevchenko in the first half which the skipper shot straight at the keeper. Had a torturous time against Jeremy Menez and will have to pull up his socks and come with with an improved show against the English if the hosts are to go through. Rating: 5.5/10
Yevhen Khacheridi: Was caught flat-footed more than once and struggled to keep Benzema quiet. Unlucky during the 2nd goal as a bit of mis-fortune allowed Cabaye to steal a stride on the defender and score. Rating: 6/10
Taras Mykhalyk: Disappointing performance from the towering defender. Had a decent first essay but failed to put in another similar show in the 2nd with Benzema and co. running rings around him. Rating: 5/10
Anatoliy Tymoshchuk: Started in nervy fashion with a horrendous pass that almost gave France the lead, but redeemed himself with a typical display. Constantly on the run and was key in making sure Samir Nasri struggled to make an impact. Rating: 5.5/10
Oleh Husyev: More-or-less anonymous throughout the game, could have done better to protect his team during France’s second goal. Rating: 4.5/10
Serhiy Nazarenko: Was constantly on the run but his passing and control let him down more often than not. Subbed in the 2nd half after his influence dwindled. Rating: 5/10
Yevhen Konoplyanka: Impressed with his pace and skill. Covered every blade of grass on the left side with his quick and direct running but did not trouble debauchy enough. Flattered to decieve on most occassion and a tad selfish at times. Rating: 6/10
Andriy Yarmolenko: Dazzled in the first half with his quick feet and skill, but had very little to offer when his team needed him most in the second half as he was hauled off for Aliyey. Rating: 6/10
Andriy Shevchenko: Ukraine’s saviour in the opening game was once again their best player. The skipper came close in the first half and was lively throughout the game. Almost scored the game’s opener in the second half with a ripping volley but faded away after France’s double burst. Rating: 7/10
Andrey Voronin: Can hardly remember what he did in the first half but did run behind the ball. Wasted a chance to get a strike on goal when in the open, instead opting an ambitious pass to his skipper. Subbed at half time and rightly so. Rating: 4/10
Subs:
Oleksandr Aliyev: Came on for Yarmolenko but failed to impress. Had a golden opportunity with a free-kick at the edge of the area but blasted it high. Rating: 4.5/10
Artem Milevsky: Replaced Nazarenko at the hour’s mark to give Ukraine someone to aim at up front. The tall forward struggled against Mexes and Rami and could do nothing to inspire his team back in the game. Rating: 4/10
Marko Devic: Replaced the disappointing Voronin at half-time and was much better than the former English Premier League striker. Did nothing of note and was anonymous after France’s goals. Rating: 5/10
France:
Hugo Lloris: The France skipper had a rather quiet night against Shevchenko and co. Did produce a superb save to keep Sheva away in the first half before being reduced to a spectator for much of the match. Rating: 6.5/10
Mathieu Debuchy: Assured performance at right-back keeping the marauding Konoplyanka at bay for much of the match. Did well upfront as well. Rating: 6/10
Philippe Mexes – Had literally nothing to do in the first half except showing his heading prowess with a thunderous header, which Piatov kept out with an acrobatic save. Looked solid in the second half as Ukraine tried to launch a fightback, but earned a yellow late in the game. Rating: 6.5/10
Adil Rami – Was suspect for much of the match with the strikers targeting the weak-link in defence. Will be relieved that his lack in concentration did not cost France. Rating: 5/10
Gael Clichy – Unexpectedly replaced Patrice Evra in the starting XI but did his chances of staying on no wrong with a solid display. Rating: 6/10
Alou Diarra – Played his role to perfection. Extremely useful in breaking up attacks as well as being good on the ball. Was on the top of the game, making several vital interceptions and provided good cover for the vulnerable French defence. Rating: 6.5/10
Yohan Cabaye – Was hardly involved till he popped up with a well taken goal in the second half. That seemed to egg him on as he smashed another against the bar. Will be an asset if he finds a way to leave his mark without scoring as well. Rating: 7/10
Franck Ribery – Showed his full repertoire of skills on the right side but had to end up empty handed with his name not featuring in the assists or goal scorers list. A good performance from the Munich man but will hope his mates are not as wasteful as they were today. Rating: 7.5/10
Samir Nasri: Was expected to pull more strings in midfield, but couldn’t do much with Tymoshuck hot on his heels everytime he had the ball. His role was reduced to simple passing and France struggled to impose themselves in the first half.
Jeremy Menez – Scored the all-important opener for France that put the 1998 World Cup Champions on their way to an easy win. Was wasteful in the first half missing two glorious chances and also nearly getting sent off with two moments of madness, but redeemed himself later on through Benzema’s assist. France will pray he will not be as wasteful in the next matches. Rating: 7/10
Karim Benzema – The Real Madrid youngster proved his immense talent by laying on 2 wonderful assists in quick succession. Was France’s most dangerous player in a lackluster first half and upped his game in the second, helping France take the lead and shut the game with wonderful vision. Rating: 8.5/10
Subs:
Yann M’Vila: Had many eyes on him during his first game after nearly a month, but had hardly much time to show his worth. With France looking to close out the game, M’Vila role had a restricted role to play. Rating: 5.5/10
Marvin Martin: Like M’Vila, didn’t have enough time to show his skill but looked tidy in his brief cameo. Rating: 6/10
Olivier Giroud: Given only 15 minutes, but could’ve benefited if Ribery’s cross was spot on. Blazed a half chance over the goal but was given very little playing time.
