late Zidane strike beats Ukraine
France 1 Ukraine 0
Zinedine Zidane struck late in the day as France finally broke down dogged Ukraine resistance to warm up for their Euro 2004 opener with England with a victory.
The eastern Europeans were intent on frustrating their hosts at the Stade de France in Paris, largely with great success.
And with Croatia and Switzerland likely to display similar spoiling tactics in their Euro 2004 group, coach Jacques Santini will view this as a useful workout for Les Bleus.
They controlled possession and dictated play but it looked to be in vain as they toiled without success until two minutes from time.
That was when Zidane, by far the stand-out player on the pitch, connected sweetly with a Thierry Henry knockdown to score the winner.
A lacklustre first half was only made watchable thanks to a superb display by FIFA World Player of the Year Zidane.
The Real Madrid superstar was his amazing best in midfield, trying to create openings while also showing his clever touches and immense passing ability.
Indeed it was he who had the only noteworthy shot on goal for the French in the first half, drilling a low effort which visiting goalkeeper Alexander Shovkovsky saved well.
By contrast Ukraine, minus superstar striker Andrei Shevchenko, managed to test France goalkeeper Fabien Barthez only once throughout – a poor Anatoli Tymoshchyuk free-kick which the Marseille stopper gathered with ease.
France continued to be frustrated after the interval, and it was not until 22 minutes from time that they tested Shovkovsky seriously again.
Arsenal’s Robert Pires latched onto a loose ball in the area, but his low shot was well saved.
France finally made the breakthrough with stoppage time looming.
Substitute Willy Sagnol crossed from the right, Henry nodded down and Zidane produced a cool and classy finish from the edge of the area to win the game.
