Shevchenko hails historic victory
UKRAINE 2
SWEDEN 1
ANDRIY Shevchenko praised his side’s “historic” performance after showing a glimpse of his prime to inspire joint hosts Ukraine to a vital opening European Championship victory.
Two goals from the prolific predator secured the win after Sweden’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic had scored the game’s opener before failing to extend his side’s lead.
Ukraine now top Group D and have genuine hope of competing with France and England for a place in the tournament’s final eight, while Sweden face a significant struggle to do the same.
“I feel great, like I am 20-years-old,” said Shevchenko. “This was a historic game for us, a great victory. I tried to be at my best, and I succeeded. I believe we can achieve a lot with this team.”
After hitting the post with a header, Ibrahimovic turned in Kim Kallstrom’s low cross for the game’s first goal and continued to threaten but two headers from Shevchenko turned the result and secured his side’s victory.