Watch Slovakia vs Ukraine full match replay and highlights.
KICK-OFF at 13:00 (GMT) on 21st June 2024
The referee for this match is M. Oliver
Game played at Düsseldorf Arena
This is a match in Europe – UEFA European Championship, Group E, Season 2024
Ukraine Comes from Behind to Defeat Slovakia 2-1 in Euro 2024 Group E Clash
Ukraine staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Slovakia, leapfrogging their opponents into second place in Euro 2024 Group E. The match, held in Düsseldorf, saw both teams vying for crucial points to bolster their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.
Early Dominance by Slovakia
In their first-ever meeting at a major tournament, Slovakia aimed to build on their shock victory against Belgium. Ukraine, on the other hand, sought redemption after a heavy 3-0 defeat to Group E leaders Romania. Slovakia started strong, with Lukáš Haraslín and Ivan Schranz testing Ukraine’s goalkeeper, Anatoliy Trubin, who made two excellent saves to keep the game level.
Despite these early warning signs, Ukraine fell behind in the 17th minute. Haraslín delivered a lofted cross from the byline, finding Schranz at the back post. Schranz headed the ball low and hard under Trubin, giving Slovakia a deserved lead. Ukraine almost equalized shortly after when Artem Dovbyk’s close-range effort was blocked by a last-ditch challenge from Peter Pekarík.
Ukraine’s Resilience
A lapse in Slovakia’s concentration allowed Oleksandr Tymchyk a great chance to score, but Martin Dúbravka’s fingertip save pushed the ball onto the post, maintaining Slovakia’s 1-0 lead going into halftime. However, Ukraine came out strong after the interval and equalized early in the second half. A swift counter-attack saw Oleksandr Zinchenko deliver a pass into the middle of the box, where Mykola Shaparenko fired a first-time shot past Dúbravka at his near post.
The Decisive Moment
As the match progressed, Ukraine continued to grow in confidence. With 10 minutes left, Shaparenko turned provider, flicking a pass into the box for substitute Roman Yaremchuk. Yaremchuk poked the ball under Dúbravka, giving Ukraine a crucial 2-1 lead. Slovakia struggled to respond, and Ukraine’s defense held firm to secure the victory.
Implications and Looking Ahead
This comeback win provides Ukraine with a significant boost after their disappointing opening match. They now sit in a strong position in Group E, ahead of their final group match. For Slovakia, the defeat means they must avoid losing to Romania in their next game to have the best chance of progressing to the Round of 16.