Ukraine thirsty for France win after PM bet
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov is so convinced the buoyant co-hosts will beat France in Euro 2012 Group D in Donetsk on Friday (12:00 p.m. EDT) he is betting his best-quality cognac on it.
After a morale-boosting 2-1 win over the Swedes at a rocking Olympic Stadium on Monday, Azarov said he was sure Ukraine would win even though they have never beaten France who are on a 22-match unbeaten run.
However, with spearhead Andriy Shevchenko on song after his two-goal show in the capital and France coming into the game on the back of scoring just once from 19 shots against England, the outcome is far from certain.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Now is the perfect time for a first Ukraine win as three points would guarantee them a quarter-final berth and send the country, beset by political turmoil, into raptures.
England and Sweden must improve when they lock horns in Kiev (2:45 p.m. EDT) and while a draw would not count either side out both know the importance of victory.
England were satisfied with their opening 1-1 draw against France but the Swedes, who have never lost a competitive match against the English, were disappointed with their performance against Ukraine.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}(Editing by Ed Osmond)