Ukraine and France 0-0 at halftime at Euro 2012

After nearly an hourlong rain delay, France and Ukraine were

even at 0-0 at halftime Friday at the European Championship.

The players were off the field for nearly an hour because of

thunder, lightning and torrential rain. Referee Bjoern Kuipers made

a quick decision in the fifth minute that the players’ safety and

the drenched field made it impossible to continue.

France looked to be the better team when play resumed about 55

minutes later, with Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov saving a

header from France defender Philippe Mexes and then other shots

from striker Karim Benzema and winger Jeremy Menez.

Ukraine can advance to the quarterfinals if it wins.