The final match of the opening round of fixtures proved to
be the most exciting match of Euro 2012 thus far. The matchup between Sweden and Ukraine lacked
the hype that England vs. France had received earlier in the day, but made up
for it with excitement, drama, and some spectacular goals. Coming into Euro 2012, Ukraine was expected
to be one of the weakest sides in the competition and many were worried that
the co-hosts would embarrass themselves.
However, the intensity of the home crowd and the forehead of Andrei
Shevchenko have the co-hosts hoping for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Both teams took the field, utilizing 4-4-2 formations, with
their talismanic strikers featuring prominently at the front of the attack. Zlatan Ibrahimovic looked very strong early
in the match, holding off defenders allowing his teammates to get into
position. His efforts were nearly
rewarded in the 17th minute when Zlatan’s cross nearly found
Sebastian Larsson, but a punch from Ukrainian keeper Andriy Pyatov thwarted the
chance.
Ukraine had a scoring opportunity a few minutes later when
Andrei Shevchenko was played in on goal, but the veteran striker’s finishing
touch betrayed him and his effort was yanked wide of the Swedish goal.
Ukrainian manager Oleg Blokhin threw up his
arms in frustration at his captain’s missed opportunity and the
miss prompted
criticism over Shevchenko’s inclusion on social media sites. Shevchenko, oblivious to the electronic
criticism, raised his work rate and continued finding open positions in the
Ukrainian attack. His continued effort
after a blocked shot led to a shooting opportunity for Andriy Yarmolenko, but
the midfielder was unable to lift his shot over the sliding Swedish defender
Granqvist.
Sweden responded with a quick attack that nearly earned them
a goal. Rasmus Elm played a majestic
cross across the penalty area to a wide open Zlatan. The Swedish captain met the ball solidly with
his forehead and almost began celebrating before his header struck the outside
of the post and rolled out for a goal kick.
It was Sweden’s best scoring opportunity yet and it was just inches away
from putting them ahead. The halftime
whistle blew just a couple minutes later and the teams went into the dressing
room level.
The action picked up after the restart and it took only seven
minutes for Sweden to find a breakthrough.
Taking advantage of the injured Yevgen Selin, Sweden broke down the
vacant left flank and a combination of passes eventually led to an easy tap in
goal for their captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The goal silenced the home crowd, while the Swedish contingent roared their
approval.
Ukraine took only three minutes to respond, Andriy
Yarmolenko found Shevchenko streaking across the front of goal and the captain
answered the call with a soaring header that beat Andreas Isaksson. Shevchenko had atoned for his earlier miss by
rejuvenating the home crowd and giving the host nation hope of accomplishing an
unexpected result. As his teammates
dog-piled on the captain in celebration they returned to the center circle with
a renewed sense of determination. This goal earned Shevchenko the honor of being the oldest player ever to score at the European Championship, but he was not done for the day.
Shevchenko’s best was yet to come as he ignited the passion
of the home crowd once again just six minutes later. Shevchenko looped around Zlatan and met Evegeni
Konoplyanka’s corner kick with a flicked header that eluded the near post
defender and went into the back of the net.
The home crowd exploded with joy as their beleaguered, beloved hero had
given them the victory they desperately sought.
It was an incredible moment and certainly the most captivating event of
Euro 2012 thus far.
The final minutes of the match consisted of Sweden
desperately trying to recover to salvage a draw. Zlatan unleashed a furious
effort towards the goal that was turned aside by Pyatov. There were several more opportunities, the
best of which fell to substitute striker Johan Elmander after exchanging passes
with Ibrahimovic, but the Bolton striker skied the eventual effort towards
goal. The final whistle sounded just a
few minutes later, giving way to wild celebration by the Ukrainian crowd.
This match will be hard to beat in terms of drama. Sweden now will need a result against England
if they hope to qualify for the quarterfinals.
Ukraine is at the top of Group D for the moment, they will face Italy
later in the week, hoping to retain their top spot.
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