Ukraine ignited their Euro 2024 campaign with a resilient comeback victory against Slovakia, overcoming an early deficit to secure a 2-1 win in a captivating Group E encounter. Substitute Roman Yaremchuk emerged as the hero, netting the decisive goal late in the second half, sending waves of elation through the Ukrainian supporters. This crucial win reverses Ukraine’s fortunes after a disappointing opening match and throws Group E wide open.
Slovakia, buoyed by their stunning victory over Belgium in their first game, started brightly and took the lead through Ivan Schranz. A win here would have guaranteed their progression to the round of 16, but despite a promising start, they ultimately succumbed to Ukraine’s relentless pressure and attacking dynamism, particularly after the halftime break.
Mykola Shaparenko orchestrated Ukraine’s revival, first leveling the score in the 54th minute with a well-taken close-range finish. He then turned provider, delivering a perfectly weighted lofted pass for Yaremchuk, who displayed composure and skill to control the ball and slot it past Slovakian goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka, clinching a vital three points for his nation.
The victory propels Ukraine to level points with Slovakia and Romania in Group E, setting up a thrilling finale to the group stage. Romania and Belgium are yet to play their second match, further intensifying the competition in this tightly contested group.
Slovakia entered the match with confidence, reminiscent of their Euro 2020 campaign where they also won their opening fixture. However, they were determined to avoid a repeat of their previous group stage exit and displayed early dominance against Ukraine. The match unfolded on a slick Düsseldorf pitch, made faster by pre-match rainfall, contributing to the fast-paced and energetic exchanges.
Ukraine’s goalkeeper, Anatoliy Trubin, who was among five changes to the starting lineup following their 3-0 defeat to Romania, proved instrumental in keeping his team in the game early on. He showcased his shot-stopping prowess with a double save, first denying Lukás Haraslín and then Ivan Schranz from close range, preventing Slovakia from taking an early lead.
Slovakia’s early pressure eventually paid off in the 17th minute. Haraslín, causing problems down the Ukrainian right, delivered a precise lobbed cross into the box. Schranz, arriving at the far post, expertly headed the ball past Trubin, marking his second goal of the tournament after his winner against Belgium.
Facing the prospect of another defeat and with their Euro 2024 hopes dwindling under the gloomy Düsseldorf sky, Ukraine began to assert themselves. Mykhailo Mudryk, a constant threat with his pace and trickery, fired a shot over the bar and then saw another effort blocked by Peter Pekarík. Oleksandr Tymchyk then came agonizingly close to equalizing, his powerful low drive striking the post with Dúbravka beaten.
Dúbravka was called into action again to push away a free kick from Oleksandr Zinchenko, while at the other end, Trubin remained alert to deny Haraslín once more, ensuring Ukraine remained within touching distance.
Ukraine commenced the second half with renewed vigor and attacking intent. Artem Dovbyk, La Liga’s top scorer last season, narrowly missed connecting with a Mudryk cross, failing to direct his header on target. However, Ukraine’s sustained pressure, playing towards their vocal yellow-and-blue clad supporters, finally yielded an equalizer.
In the 54th minute, Zinchenko, with a moment of brilliance, delivered a perfectly weighted and disguised pass to find the unmarked Shaparenko inside the box. Shaparenko, demonstrating composure under pressure, calmly slotted a left-footed shot into the corner of the net, igniting celebrations amongst the Ukrainian fans and players.
Slovakia appeared content to settle for a draw, adopting a more defensive approach after conceding. They were fortunate when Mudryk, cutting in from the left, struck the post from a tight angle with just 15 minutes remaining, a warning sign of Ukraine’s growing dominance.
Ukraine, fueled by their passionate support and the desire to stay alive in the tournament, continued to push forward. Their persistence paid off when Shaparenko, having already equalized, turned creator. He lofted an inch-perfect pass over the Slovakian defense, finding the run of Yaremchuk. Yaremchuk, with a deft first touch to control the ball, then poked it past the onrushing Dúbravka, securing a dramatic and vital victory for Ukraine and injecting renewed hope into their Euro 2024 aspirations.
