France 1-0 Ukraine: FT Report

PARIS, June 6 (Reuters) - A goal two minutes from time by Zinedine Zidane handed European champions France a 1-0 victory over Ukraine on Sunday in their last warm-up match before they start the defence of their title in Portugal.

In a tight match, Zidane slotted home after Thierry Henry knocked down a cross by substitute defender Willy Sagnol.

Jacques Santini's team dominated for most of the match but had looked set for a third goalless draw from four matches after goalkeeper Oleksander Shovkovsky saved two clear chances which fell to Zidane and midfielder Robert Pires.

France, who are now on a 18-match unbeaten run and have not conceded a goal for almost a year, start their Euro 2004 campaign next Sunday against England in Group B.

France dominated the first half with Zidane displaying his breathtaking skills but he was often left frustrated as three defenders tracked his every move.

He only managed to outmanoeuvre Ukraine's solid defence once before the break but his shot from just outside the box was saved by Shovkovsky in the 18th minute.

Shovkonsky denied the hosts again when he dived to clear a volley from inside the box by Pires 20 minutes from time.

In the dying minutes, France moved up a gear and Zidane completed a fine move inside the box with a volley home.