Roman Yaremchuk came off the bench to score the winning goal, leading Ukraine to a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Slovakia and rejuvenating their Euro 2024 campaign on Friday.
Slovakia, needing a win to secure a knockout stage spot, took the lead in the 17th minute through Ivan Schranz, following their surprise victory over Belgium in the opening game.
Ukraine, recovering from a 3-0 defeat to Romania, equalized nine minutes after half-time with a goal from Mykola Shaparenko. Shaparenko then assisted Yaremchuk, who netted the decisive goal, placing Ukraine alongside Slovakia and Romania with three points each in Group E.
Romania will face Belgium, currently at the bottom with no points, on Saturday in Frankfurt, before the final round of group matches next Wednesday.
The Ukrainian team, entering the rainy Duesseldorf pitch draped in their national flags, played under the shadow of the ongoing war in their homeland.
This match had significant political undertones, with Slovakia’s newly appointed President Peter Pellegrini favoring peace negotiations, in contrast to his predecessor’s strong support for Ukraine.
Ukraine received more support from the stands, and coach Serhiy Rebrov made four changes following the loss to Romania, including starting Benfica’s Anatoliy Trubin in goal.
Slovakia, confident after defeating Belgium, saw Trubin make crucial saves before Schranz scored the opening goal. However, Ukraine rallied, with Oleksandr Tymchyk nearly equalizing before Shaparenko eventually scored.
The momentum shifted, and despite Mykhailo Mudryk hitting the post, Yaremchuk clinched the victory by controlling Shaparenko’s high ball and scoring past Slovakia’s goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. The win sparked wild celebrations and tears of joy from the Ukrainian players at full-time.
