Roman Yaremchuk scored a crucial winner for Ukraine as they came from behind to beat Slovakia, keeping their Euro 2024 campaign alive. This dramatic match showcased the resilience and fighting spirit of the Ukrainian team, as they managed to secure a vital victory in the dying moments of the game.
The game started with Slovakia taking the lead. Ivan Schranz scored after 17 minutes, marking his second goal in as many games. His goal put Slovakia in a strong position early on, making it seem as though they might dominate the match. Schranz’s goal came from a well-executed play, where he capitalized on a cross from Lukas Haraslin, who had managed to get past the Ukrainian defense with ease. This early goal put Ukraine on the back foot, forcing them to chase the game from the outset.
Ukraine’s response came in the second half, demonstrating their ability to recover and fight back under pressure. Mykola Shaparenko equalized for Ukraine in the 54th minute. His goal came from a close-range finish following a precise cross from Oleksandr Zinchenko. This goal was crucial in shifting the momentum in Ukraine’s favor, giving them the confidence and drive they needed to push for a win.
The turning point of the match came when Roman Yaremchuk was brought on as a substitute. Yaremchuk had only been on the pitch for 13 minutes when he scored the decisive goal. He latched onto a perfectly timed ball over the top from Shaparenko and finished with great composure. A brilliant touch allowed him to delicately nudge the ball past Slovakia’s goalkeeper, Martin Dubravka, into the bottom left corner from six yards out. This goal not only secured the victory but also highlighted Yaremchuk’s skill and presence of mind in crucial moments.
This victory was significant for Ukraine as it was the first time they had come from behind to win a match at the Euros since their 2-1 victory against Sweden in 2012. The win moved Ukraine level on points with Slovakia and Romania, who are also in their group. Romania is set to play their second group-stage match against Belgium on Saturday, which adds further excitement to the group standings.
Despite the victory, Ukraine’s performance in the first half was below their usual standards. They created plenty of chances but were unable to convert them. The decision to replace Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin with Anatolii Trubin proved to be a wise one, as Trubin made several crucial saves in the opening 10 minutes. He denied Lukas Haraslin’s low-angled finish with his legs and then stopped Schranz from close range. Trubin was also called into action again to save David Hancko’s free-kick, which he palmed out for a throw-in.
However, Ukraine’s defense showed vulnerability when Hancko took the resulting set-piece and found Haraslin, who managed to get behind the Ukraine defense easily. Haraslin then swung in a cross, which was pounced upon by Schranz to score the opening goal. Mykhailo Mudryk initially struggled to make an impact in the game, even taking a wild shot when he had a clear chance through on goal. He did improve later, setting up Artem Dovbyk for a chance that was ultimately blocked by Peter Pekarik.
The second half was a different story for Ukraine. Their determination and fighting spirit were evident as they continued to press for an equalizer. Shaparenko’s goal brought them back into the game, and they maintained their momentum, eventually finding the winning goal through Yaremchuk. His goal not only secured the three points but also made him just the second Ukrainian substitute to score at a major tournament.
The emotional scenes at full-time reflected the significance of the victory for Ukraine. Yaremchuk was in tears, and the Ukrainian players applauded their fans, showing their appreciation for the support and the importance of the win. This victory has revitalized Ukraine’s Euro 2024 campaign, giving them hope and momentum as they move forward in the tournament.
Overall, this match was a testament to Ukraine’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The contributions of key players like Yaremchuk and Shaparenko, coupled with the crucial saves from Trubin, were instrumental in securing this much-needed victory.
