Slovakia entered the match with confidence after a surprise win against Belgium, while Ukraine sought redemption following a disappointing 3-0 loss to Romania.
Slovakia, not initially favoured to top their group, had managed a 1-0 win over Belgium in their opener, aided by VAR ruling out two Belgian goals. The Falcons had also won their opening match in Euro 2020 but faltered in subsequent games. They aimed to rely on their strong defence, which had earned them clean sheets in their last three matches.
Ukraine, despite qualifying for their fourth consecutive European Championship, faced a challenging path to the tournament. They had come from behind to win qualifying games against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iceland. However, their tournament start was rocky with a heavy loss to Romania, despite dominating possession.
In this pivotal match, Slovakia took the lead with a goal from Shranz. However, Ukraine’s Shaparenko equalized, and Yaremchuk clinched the win with a cool and calm finish in the 80th minute. His decisive goal highlighted Ukraine’s resilience and composure, securing a crucial victory in their Euro 2024 campaign.
Key Highlights from Ukraine’s dominant win
Roman Yaremchuk of Ukraine is celebrating after scoring his team’s second goal with his teammates during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Slovakia and Ukraine at Dusseldorf Arena on June 21, 2024 in Dusseldorf, Germany. (Photo by Hesham Elsherif/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Slovakia created the first clear chance of the game when Haraslin skipped past defenders and unleashed a low drive, which Trubin saved. The danger wasn’t over, though, as the ball rebounded into the box, forcing Trubin to make a brilliant save to deny Schranz from close range.
In the 17th minute, Ukraine found themselves in disarray as Slovakia took a quick throw-in on the left. Haraslin swiftly crossed the ball to the far post, where Schranz was waiting to nod it into the back of the net! Slovakia took a 1-0 lead in Dusseldorf with that goal.
Ukraine came close to equalizing as Yarmolenko advanced down the right and played a pass to Dobvyk inside the box. Dobvyk backheeled it back to Yarmolenko, who had surged forward. The Slovakian defense managed to clear the danger momentarily, but Tymchyk picked up the loose ball inside the box and his shot struck the post, denying Ukraine a goal-scoring opportunity in the 33rd minute.
In the second half, Ukraine pressed the Slovaks higher in the middle of the field. It led to Slovakia dropping deeper than usual, giving the Ukrainians a chance to utilise the middle while the wing-backs overlapped on the flanks.
Due to that, Slovakia got caught on the break and conceded. Ukraine leveled up in the 54th minute. Mudryk surged forward with pace and shifted the ball left, seemingly losing the chance. However, Zinchenko’s precise delivery into the box found Shaparenko, who calmly placed his shot past Dubravka to level the score and help the losing Ukraine come back in the game.
Zubkov sprinted down the center and threaded a pass to Mudryk in a promising position, but the delivery was slightly overhit. Mudryk managed a shot from a narrow angle, but Dubravka parried it onto the woodwork and away to safety in the 72nd minute.
The momentum of relentless attacks paid off as Ukraine found the winner in the 80th minute. Ramin Yaremchuk’s goal stood out amidst the spectacular goals of UEFA Euro 2024. Coming off the bench, Yaremchuk demonstrated superb composure, bringing down Shaparenko’s precise pass in the box and skillfully placing it past Dubravka to secure a 2-1 victory for Ukraine, clinching a crucial win for his team.
The outcome leaves Group E completely open ahead of Belgium’s game against Romania on Thursday night. Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine are all on three points, but Belgium are yet to have a point on the board.
In the Group E clash of UEFA Euro 2024 at Düsseldorf Arena on Friday, June 21, Ukraine secured their first tournament points with a 2-1 victory over Slovakia. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
