France vs. Ukraine: Top Players to Watch in Pivotal Group D Match

France continued their disappointing play in major championships when they played England to a 1-1 draw in their opening Group D match of Euro 2012.

For whatever reason, the French simply cannot find a way to get all three points when they're there for the taking.

The draw marked the eighth straight contest in a major tournament in which Les Bleus were unable to win.

Ukraine, on the other hand, notched a surprising but well earned three points against Sweden. Led by national hero and 35-year-old captain Andriy Shevchenko, the co-host nation actually believes they belong in this tournament.

Today, these two nations take the pitch with virtually everything on the line.

Here's a look at the players you have to watch.

Samir Nasri, France

Some players have trouble translating domestic success to the international pitch (and sometimes vice versa) but Nasri is not one of them. The Manchester City playmaker came on strong at Eastlands in the Citizens' push for the league title and he's carried it over into Euro 2012.

He was incredibly active against England, created a number of opportunities and ultimately found the back of the net on a great rip from outside the area.

Nasri will be a handful for the Ukrainian defense and there's a good chance he's a difference-maker in this match.

Andriy Shevchenko, Ukraine

One man who is no stranger to being the difference-maker is captain Shevchenko. The former AC Milan and Chelsea man put his nation over the top in the first match and has everyone believing he's ready to make a magical run.

The UEFA Euro Championship is no stranger to these types of performances, so we can never count out someone as gifted as Sheva.

He can score in a variety of ways and will be the focal point of the French defenses' game plan.

Andriy Pyatov, Ukraine

Andriy Pyatov is not Joe Hart. France put 15 of their 19 shots on target against England and Hart saved six of them (one got in).

Pyatov will have to play out of his mind to help keep the likes of Nasri, Benzema (who we'll get to) Franck Ribery, Yohan Cabaye and Florent Malouda out of the net.

Les Bleus have a multi-faceted attack with players who can strike from nearly anywhere.

If Pyatov is even a step slow, it will cost him.

Karim Benzema, France

The Real Madrid superstar put all five of his shots on target against England, but couldn't beat Joe Hart or the blocking defenders.

Nasri cannot be the only one who capitalizes today and Benzema, who scored 32 goals and assisted on 15 others this year in club play, has to step up.

He has three goals and three assists in nine games this calendar year for Les Bleus. It's time for him to add to that total.