France stops Ukraine's road to miracles

France's Jeremy Menez (L) scores a goal, which was later disallowed, past Ukraine's Yevhen Konoplyanka during their Group D Euro 2012 soccer match at Donbass Arena in Donetsk June 15, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

KIEV - France stunned the co-hosts Ukraine 2-0 in a Euro 2012 Group D match in Donetsk on Friday.

France silenced the home fans at Donbass Arena after 53 minutes when Jeremy Menez run onto Karim Benzema's pass and fired the ball into the bottom right corner.

Yohan Cabaye made it 2-0 just three minutes later when the Newcastle United midfielder shot low past the keeper to seal the victory.

Ukraine, who upset Sweden 2-1 in their group opener, failed to transfer a bunch of clear chances to goals despite with an inspirational lead from the veteran Andrei Shevchenko.

The victory moved France to top the group with four points, approaching the last-eight berth. Ukraine followed in three points.

The match was suspended because of a thunderstorm and was nearly one hour later than usual.

The kick-off time in the Sweden v England match of the group in Kyiv was put back by 15 minutes, out of respect for fans who wish to follow both fixtures and enjoy the tournament in full content.