Former France midfielder says it will be hard for France to play against Ukraine in Donetsk

Former France and Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires has said he believes that it will be hard for France to play against Euro 2012 co-hosts Ukraine in Donetsk on June 15.

"It will be a very difficult game for France, because when you play against a country that hosts the championship, it's always hard. The match will be held in Donetsk, where the stadium is very large and the stands are very close to the pitch," he told Interfax-Ukraine in Kharkiv on Tuesday.

Pires said that he watched the first Group D match between Ukraine and Sweden and that he was happy for Andriy Shevchenko, who scored two crucial goals against Sweden.

"There's a long history of love between him and Ukrainian fans. Despite the fact that he is a veteran, Shevchenko is a great professional," he added.

He said that Laurent Blanc's side had a very difficult match against England on June 11.

"It is hard to play against a team that constantly bolts up the game and reduces the pace. England was playing for a draw," he said.