Euro 2020 Round of 16: Sweden 1-2 Ukraine
The Euro 2020 clash between Sweden and Ukraine seemed to be heading for a penalty shootout with the scores level at 1-1. However, Artem Dovbyk had other ideas.
The Ukrainian scored in the first minute of stoppage time in the second half of extra time to break Swedish hearts. He secured the victory in dramatic fashion to take Ukraine through to the quarterfinals of the European Championship.
Oleksandr Zinchenko gave Ukraine the lead after 27 minutes. He smashed the ball into the back of the net that no one could have kept out.
However, Sweden found a way back through Emil Forsberg just before halftime in the 43rd minute to level things up.
Sweden lost Marcus Danielson to a red card in the first half of extra time after a VAR check. This was followed by substitute Dovbyk’s goal that sunk the Swedes.
Ukraine had just about qualified for the group phase with three points and a negative goal difference. Sweden, on the other hand, topped their group with seven points to finish ahead of Spain.
Sweden were the firm favourites to win the tie but given the way Euro 2020’s Round of 16 played out, you would not be crazy to think Ukraine could win.
And win they did.
The match at Hampden Park in Glasgow was an even contest throughout.
Ukraine’s Artem Besedin lasted just 10 minutes of the game before he was fouled by Danielson’s high challenge.
The Sweden defender was initially booked but referee Daniele Orsato then gave the player a red card after reviewing the incident on the pitch-side monitor.
Zinchenko put in a nice cross from the left as he turned provider that Dovbyk slid in to score his first international goal.
Schevchenko’s tactics on point
Ukraine coach Andriy Shevchenko switched to a back three, allowing Zinchenko to operate as a left wing-back. The captain revelled in the role as he was involved in both of Ukraine’s goals.
Andriy Yarmolenko found the Manchester City player with a superb pass. Zinchenko fired the ball goalwards that Robin Olsen got a hand to but could not keep out.
Forsberg then netted his fourth goal of the tournament as his deflected shot from 22 yards flew into the net.
The midfielder could have had another goal as he struck the woodwork twice in the second half. Even Ukraine’s Serhiy Sydorchuk had his shot clip the post.
It was a thoroughly entertaining game, much like most of the Round of 16 clashes at Euro 2020.
Ukraine now have a stiff task of playing England in London at Wembley on Sunday in the quarterfinals.