Ukraine secured its third comeback win in four competitive matches in 2024, defeating Slovakia 2-1 on Friday, June 21 to keep its hopes alive in the EURO 2024, thanks to a decisive goal from Roman Yaremchuk. Following two previous 2-1 comeback victories in the playoffs in March to qualify for Euro 2024, defeating Slovakia revived Ukraine’s campaign. The team aims to demonstrate Ukrainian resilience at the tournament, over two years after Russia's full-scale invasion began. Ukraine's challenging position was underscored by a poor goal difference, exacerbated by a 3-0 defeat to Romania on Monday, making this match crucial to avoid potential elimination. The game, played under heavy rain, saw Slovakia open the scoring in the 17th minute with a header from Ivan Schranz, who had also netted the lone goal in Slovakia’s unexpected 1-0 victory over Belgium four days prior.
ALSO READ: Sania Mirza's father Imran opens up on her wedding rumours with Indian speedster Mohammed Shami
Oleksandr Zinchenko assisted Mykola Shaparenko in scoring Ukraine’s first goal of the tournament in the 54th minute. Shaparenko also had a hand in the second goal, sending a long pass to Yaremchuk, who skillfully controlled the ball with his first touch and nudged it past goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
The result placed Slovakia, Ukraine, and Romania each with three points in Group E, with Romania set to face Belgium on Saturday.
Ukraine's coach, Serhiy Rebrov, made four changes from the team that lost to Romania, yet defensive vulnerabilities persisted initially. Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, stepping in for Andriy Lunin of Real Madrid after some mistakes against Romania, made several early saves but couldn’t prevent Schranz’s headed goal.
Despite being responsible for Slovakia’s first goal, Zinchenko played a crucial role in Ukraine’s equalizer, delivering a precise cross for Shaparenko, who scored his first international goal in nearly three years. Introducing Yaremchuk as a substitute for the largely ineffective Artem Dovbyk turned the tide as he broke past the Slovak defense to score the game-winning goal.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
Big update on Mohammed Shami's India comeback and recovery amidst T20 World Cup 2024
