BREAKING: France v Ukraine Match Restarted after rain deluge

Group D Clash between France and Ukraine in the Donbass Arena in Donetsk suspended after a deluge, restarted almost an hour after it was first abandoned.

Within four minutes rain, thunder and lightning in Donetsk made conditions impossible and the Dutch referee ordered the players off the pitch with the score at 0-0.

But 40 minutes later thestorm clouds parted and the sun came out.

When the French coach Laurent Blanc came onto the pitch the sodden fans sensed their soaking was not in vain and began to cheer.

Soon after the match restarted at 4:20 minutes.

Ukraine came into this clash on the back of a fairytale start to their European Championship campaign. Veteran striker and captain Andriy Shevchenko rolled back the years to score twice in seven minutes to lead his side to a thrilling 2-1 win over Sweden in Kiev on Monday. The former AC Milan and Chelsea striker was joined on the score sheet by another AC Milan player, Swedish captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Meanwhile, France - one of the tournament favourites - headed into their second group match after a 1-1 draw with England on Monday. Coach Laurent Blanc and several players, including Manchester United wing-back Patrice Evra and Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri, stated the team was left frustrated with the result and also the Three Lions' defensive tactics. Les Blues dominated possession and created several chances to win but could not find a way past a well organised English defence.