Breakthrough: Menez fired the French in front against the co-hosts in Donetsk

Menez was a devilish presence on the right while Cabaye's influence in the centre showed just how good he really is when surrounded by players of equal standing. None, though, matched the graceful majesty of Karim Benzema. The creator of both goals, the Real Madrid player may be difficult to manage at times but when his mind is right he remains a deeply impressive footballer.

For France, this was a big result. The win ends an eight-game streak in major championships that started with the 2006 World Cup final in Germany. It also sets them up for a crack at group leadership when they conclude against Sweden in Kiev.

Coach Laurent Blanc was suitably relieved and said: 'When the game was stopped we were concerned. We thought it may not go ahead. We were prepared and had a great desire. The pitch was not perfect but we wanted the game underway. Let me savour this victory. We have waited a long time for it.'

The weather had turned ugly about an hour before kick-off. It was, however, during the French national anthem that the first incredible clap of thunder was heard. That was the first sign that things were amiss.

It had been raining for about 10 minutes by that stage but when the downpour began to turn torrential and the thunder was joined by lightning, referee Bjorn Kuipers had no choice but to take the players off for their own safety.

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