Dusseldorf (Germany), June 21 (UNI) Despite trailing 1-0 at half-time, Ukraine staged an impressive comeback to defeat Slovakia 2-1, earning their first points in UEFA Euro 2024 Group E here on Friday.
Slovakia made a strong start, scoring within the first seven minutes. Their early dominance was evident again, with Lukas Haraslin showcasing his skill on the edge of the area before forcing a crucial save from Anatoliy Trubin, who was selected over Andriy Lunin for this match.
Trubin's excellent form continued as he denied Ivan Schranz at point-blank range and leapt to save a powerful free-kick from David Hancko. However, Slovakia's relentless pressure paid off when Schranz headed Haraslin's cross into the ground and past Trubin to open the scoring.
Despite being outplayed in terms of possession and chances, Ukraine showed resilience. Artem Dovbyk's shot was blocked by Peter Pekarik, and Oleksandr Tymchyk's low effort hit the post. Just before half-time, Oleksandr Zinchenko tested Slovakia's goalkeeper Martin Dubravka with a set piece, while Trubin made another crucial save from Haraslín, keeping the score at 1-0.
Slovakia's narrow lead at the break gave Ukraine hope. Shortly after the restart, Mykola Shaparenko equalised with a side-footed finish following a well-executed team move led by Mykhailo Mudryk.
With the game now balanced, Ukraine grew in confidence. Mudryk hit the post, and substitute Roman Yaremchuk sealed the comeback by controlling a long pass from Shaparenko and slotting the ball past Dúbravka, securing Ukraine's victory.
This win revives Ukraine's chances of advancing to the knockout stages of Euro 2024.
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