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Niether side settled into the match during the second-half with France playing decently well in midfield, but poor in the attacking third. The Ukraine on the other hand were stout in defense and pushing forward almost exclusively on counter-attacks. France had the star power in the likes of Ribèry, Nasri, Evra, and Giroud, but the Ukraine had better chemistry and used that familiarity to break the French defense.
In the second-half Roman Zozulya scored the first goal of the match for the Ukraine. Edmar Aparesida played the forward behind the French defense with a first-touch pass and Zozulya scored from close range (61').
France used all three substitutions hoping give life to their offense with Benzema, Sissoko, and Valbuena entering the match. Unfortunatley, nobody on the French side could beat the sturdy Ukraine defense and the lead stretched further when Kocienly was called for a Penalty. The centerback knocked down Zozulya in the box to conceded the Penalty and saw a yellow card for his offense. Yarmolenko scored from the spot and the Ukraine were rather comfortable from then on (82').
Koscielny made his day worse when he got into a scrap with Olexandr Kucher. Koscielny hit the Ukraine captain and saw a red card for his senseless action, leaving him inelligable for the upcoming rematch. Olexandr Kucher returned the favor though, as he saw a second yellow card in stoppage-time making him also inelligable for the rematch.
France are in a tight hole behind two goal to a very strong defensive team. France should play better in front of their home fans, but the Ukraine are certainly in the favorable position.
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