Thanks to its victory against Slovakia (2-1) on Friday, Ukraine won the right to play its qualification in the last match of the European Championship, against Belgium.
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The return of hope. The Ukrainians were able to raise their heads after their heavy defeat on Monday against the Romanians (3-0). During the second day of the group stage of this Euro 2024, they beat the Slovaks (2-1) Friday June 21, in Dusseldorf, and are relaunching for qualification in the round of 16, before the match between Belgium and Romania, Saturday.
Dominant at the start of the match, Slovakia came up against the Ukrainian goalkeeper several times (10th, 11th, 17th). But Ukraine ended up cracking on a header from Ivan Schranz who deceived Anatoliy Trubin (18th). Shaken by the goal, Andreï Shevchenko’s men accelerated, but despite numerous opportunities (27th, 33rd, 35th), they sinned in the last gesture. The Slovak goalkeeper also responded to the opposing strikes, including a good save on a free kick from Oleksandr Zinchenko (41e) to allow his team to keep the advantage at the break.
Returning from the locker room, the Ukrainians ended up being rewarded. Following a magnificent triangle play, Mykola Shaparenko wrong-footed Martin Dubravka to get back into a tie (54th). After several other opportunities, including a post found by Mykhailo Mudryk (73rd), Ukraine took the lead thanks to a goal from Roman Yaremchuk (80th), on a sublime pass from Mykola Shaparenko.
Currently second in Group E behind the Romanians, the Ukrainians will have to achieve a result against Belgium to continue the adventure. For its part, Slovakia will play its qualification against Romania on the third day.
