Ukraine staged a comeback to defeat Slovakia in Group E at Euro 2024. Ivan Schranz gave Slovakia an early lead, but second-half goals from Mykola Shaparenko and Roman Yaremchuk turned the game around for Ukraine. Both teams now have three points after two games, setting up a competitive group stage finale.
Report
In a thrilling encounter at Euro 2024, Ukraine staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Slovakia in Düsseldorf. Slovakia took an early lead inside seven minutes through Ivan Schranz, who expertly headed Lukáš Haraslín’s cross past Anatoliy Trubin, the goalkeeper standing in for Andriy Lunin.
Slovakia continued to press aggressively, with Trubin making several crucial saves to keep Ukraine in the game. He denied Schranz from close range and later thwarted Dávid Hancko’s free-kick with a diving effort. Despite Slovakia’s dominance in possession and chances, Ukraine showed resilience.
Artem Dovbyk nearly equalized for Ukraine with a sharp turn and shot blocked by Peter Pekarík, while Oleksandr Tymchyk came agonizingly close, hitting the post with a low drive that beat Martin Dúbravka.
The momentum shifted dramatically after halftime. Ukraine capitalized on a neat team move orchestrated by Mudryk, culminating in Mykola Shaparenko side-footing the ball into the net to level the score.
As the match wore on, it was Ukraine who surged with renewed energy and purpose. Mudryk struck the post with a powerful effort, signaling their growing dominance. The decisive moment arrived when substitute Roman Yaremchuk controlled a precise long ball from Shaparenko expertly and calmly slotted it past Dúbravka to give Ukraine the lead.
The victory revitalized Ukraine’s Euro 2024 campaign, putting them back in contention for a spot in the knockout stages. Serhiy Rebrov’s tactical adjustments and the team’s resilience in overcoming an early deficit highlighted their potential in the tournament. Ukraine now looks ahead with optimism as they continue their quest for success in Group E.
Analysis
After a surprising defeat to Romania, ranked 23 places below them, Ukraine knew they had to deliver against Slovakia to keep their Euro 2024 hopes alive. Despite a lackluster first half where they created several chances without converting, Ukraine rallied in the second half.
Coach Serhiy Rebrov’s decision to start Anatoliy Trubin ahead of Andriy Lunin proved inspired, as the Benfica goalkeeper made four crucial saves to keep Ukraine in contention. Trubin’s performance justified his selection and highlighted his potential as Ukraine’s first-choice goalkeeper.
As the match progressed, Oleksandr Mudryk, initially struggling, grew into the game and played a pivotal role in Ukraine’s equalizing goal. His influence was notable throughout, with his involvement crucial in setting up Roman Yaremchuk’s spectacular match-winning goal.
Yaremchuk’s emotional reaction, breaking down in tears after scoring, reflected the significance of the moment for Ukraine. The team’s heartfelt celebrations and gestures towards their supporters in the Düsseldorf Arena underscored their unity and determination.
While the victory may not alter the difficult circumstances facing Ukraine, especially back home, it represents a poignant moment of joy and resilience for the nation. This comeback win, their first at the Euros since 2012, carries deeper meaning and hopes to bring solace to those enduring hardship.
Key stats
- This was just Ukraine’s second win in their last ten EURO group stage matches.
- Ukraine have been winning at half-time in only one of their last 13 EURO games.
- Ukraine have contested 13 EURO matches without keeping a single clean sheet.
- In nine meetings with Slovakia, Ukraine have now won four, drawing three and losing the other two.
- With an average age of 25 years and 259 days, Ukraine’s starting XI was the youngest so far at EURO 2024 – and the first with an average age below 26 years
- Oleksandr Zinchenko became the second player to reach the milestone of ten EURO appearances for Ukraine. Andriy Yarmolenko is the nation’s record holder, extending his tally here to 13 such outings.
- Slovakia have still never won two consecutive EURO group matches or kept successive clean sheets in the competition.
- Slovakia have lost only three of their last 13 competitive games (W8 D2).
- Ivan Schranz is the joint-leading scorer at EUR0 2024, tied with Jamal Musiala on two goals.
Player of the Match – Mykola Shaparenko
Mykola Shaparenko was the standout performer for Ukraine in their crucial Euro 2024 match against Slovakia. Trailing 1-0 and facing elimination, Shaparenko scored the equalizer and provided the assist for Roman Yaremchuk’s winning goal. His decisive contributions turned the game around, securing Ukraine’s first victory of the tournament and keeping their knockout stage hopes alive.
PLAYER RATINGS
Slovakia: Dubravka 6, Pekarik 6, Vavro 6, Skriniar 6, Hancko 6, Kucka 6, Lobotka 7, Duda 6, Schranz 7, Bozenik 6, Haraslin 8
Subs: Benes 6, Strelec 6, Obert 6, Suslov 6, Sauer N/A
Ukraine: Trubin 7, Tymchyk 6, Zabaryni 6, Matviienko 6, Zinchenko 8, Brazhko 7, Shaparenko 8, Yarmolenko 6, Sudakov 7, Mudryk 7, Dovbyk 6
Subs: Zubkov 6, Yaremchuk 8, Malinovskyi N/A, Sydorchuk N/A, Talovierov N/A