Monday 11 June 2012

Sheva Back From the Dead



Ukraine Line-Up: Pyatov, Mykhalyk, Selin, Khacheridi, Tymoshchuk, Nazarenko, Gusev, Yarmolenko, Konoplyanka (Devich, 90'), Shevchenko (c) (Milevsky, 82'), Voronin (Rotan, 85')
Sweden Line-Up: Isaksson, Mellberg, Granqvist, Olsson, Lustig, Kallstrom, Elm, Larsson (Wilhelmsson, 68'), Ibrahimovic (c), Toivonen (Svensson, 64') , Rosenberg (Elmander, 72')

Andriy Shevchenko has risen from his Chelsea torment to once again be hailed as one of the best strikers in Europe. It was Shevchenko versus Zlatan Ibrahimovic and both captains stood up to the plate as Ukraine came from a goal down to top Group D.

Shevchenko would have Ukraine's best chance in the first half when he was put through, but his short just missed the post. Andriy Voronin also tested Isaksson, but his stinging effort did cause the former Manchester City keeper to parry it.

Ibrahimovic would also have Sweden's best effort in the first period. But his header agonisingly glanced off the post and wide. The teams ended up going off at half-time goalless but that would all change when the players came back out.

Sweden put together a good move seven minutes into the second half and Kim Kallstrom's low cross was carefully turned in by Ibrahimovic to take the lead. But Sweden's lead only lasted for three minutes when Andriy Yarmolenko's cross was headed home by Ukraine's hero, Shevchenko.

It would then get even better for the hosts when Shevchenko lost Ibrahimovic at the front post to head a corner home on 62-minutes. Sweden had late chances to equalise with substitute Johan Elmander lobbing over the bar before Olof Mellberg's chance fell onto the roof of the net. But Ukraine ultimately held out to claim their first victory at a Euro Championships.
        
  

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