DÜSSELDORF.- It’s all about resilience for Ukraine at the European Championship, whether on the pitch or trying to inspire his countrymen at home during times of war.
After they lost 3-0 to Romania in their first match, Ukraine conceded the first goal against Slovakia on Friday and fought back to win 2-1, leading to an emotional scene with the fans.
“Our mental strength was demonstrated by our ability on the field,” midfielder Mykola Shaparenko said through a translator after scoring the first goal and assisting on the second.
This was Ukraine’s first come-from-behind victory at the Euros in 12 years and its third in four competitive matches this year. More importantly, Ukraine remains in contention for the round of 16 after substitute Roman Yaremchuk’s goal confirmed the win.
Ukraine showed that it can fight, overcome obstacles and win. “This is exactly what the Ukrainian National Football team is doing today,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a social media post after the game.
After they reached Euro 2024 with their two comebacks to win 2-1 in the March playoff, the victory by the same score against Slovakia revived their campaign.
The goal now is to advance to the knockout phase in their first major tournament since the Russian invasion in 2022. To do this they need to at least draw against Belgium on Wednesday.
Ukraine’s poor goal difference following a 3-0 defeat to Romania on Monday meant a defeat would put them on the brink of elimination.
“Today was a different spirit,” said coach Serhiy Rebrov. “It was very important to win for our country, for Ukraine, for our parents, fans and I am sure they were proud of the players today.”
Game development:
Playing in heavy rain, Slovakia took the lead in the 17th minute thanks to a header from Ivan Schranz, who also scored the only goal in the surprise 1-0 victory over Belgium four days ago.
Oleksandr Zinchenko sent a low cross to Mykola Shaparenko, who scored Ukraine’s first goal of the tournament in the 54th minute.
Shaparenko was important for the second goal by sending a long pass to Yaremchuk, who controlled the ball with his first touch and sent it into the back of the goal past goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Slovakia is tied on three points with Ukraine and Romania in Group E. Romania and Belgium meet on Saturday.
Ukraine coach Serhiy Rebrov made four changes from the lineup that lost to Romania, but its defensive fragility remained — at least at the start.
Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin replaced Andriy Lunin of Real Madrid after the mistakes he made against Romania. Trubin prevented several goals early, but could not avoid Schranz’s header.
Source: AP
