Euro 2024: Ukraine keep hopes alive
Slovakia 1 - 2 Ukraine
Roman Yaremchuk scored a decisive goal for Ukraine, securing a comeback victory against Slovakia, keeping their Euro 2024 hopes alive.
The Valencia striker found the net just 13 minutes after coming on, deftly controlling Mykola Shaparenko’s pass and slipping the ball past Slovakia’s keeper, Martin Dubravka, into the bottom corner.
Slovakia initially took the lead in the 17th minute through Ivan Schranz, who netted his second goal in consecutive games. However, Ukraine equalised in the 54th minute when Shaparenko converted Oleksandr Zinchenko’s cross. Yaremchuk then clinched the victory ten minutes before full-time, marking Ukraine’s first comeback win at the Euros since 2012.
Ukraine’s performance was a game of two halves. Despite a shaky start, the team created numerous chances. Goalkeeper Anatolii Trubin, stepping in for Andriy Lunin, made several crucial saves early on, denying Lukas Haraslin and Schranz. He also managed to keep out David Hancko’s free-kick.
Slovakia’s goal came after Haraslin’s cross was met by Schranz, following some defensive lapses from Ukraine. Mykhailo Mudryk struggled initially but later assisted Artem Dovbyk, whose effort was blocked by Peter Pekarik.
Ukraine’s second-half resilience was evident, with Shaparenko’s goal boosting their confidence. Yaremchuk’s winner, making him the second Ukrainian substitute to score at a major tournament, capped off a spirited display. Emotional scenes ensued at full-time as the players celebrated with their fans.
Best reaction
Frank, a Crystal Palace fan, said, "That was a better reflection of the Ukraine team in the second half. Serhiy Rebrov will be so proud of his team and there's every chance that they can progress from the group."
Olivia Taylor from Chorlton in Greater Manchester added, "Slovakia got stuck in the in-between. There is no doubt about that. They will look back and think what a great opportunity if we pressed on. I think Slovakia got caught trying to plan instead of living in the moment and playing the game. Ukraine were up against it in the first half. Slovakia had a lot of chances and could have put their foot on the gas and chose not to. They pulled off a great result and now will be hoping for Euro 2024 progression."
