Euro 2012: Shevchenko gives Ukraine opening win

Ukraine's former European Player of the Year Andrei Shevchenko rolled back the years as his second-half double inspired the Euro 2012 co-hosts to a come from behind 2-1 win over Sweden in their Group D encounter. (All AFP and AP Images)

From one legend to another: Ukraine's star player embraced by Ukraine coach and football great Oleg Blokhin.

The 35-year-old Ukraine captain took his tally to 48 in 108 international appearances with two superb headers within seven minutes of each other.

There had been little indication of the fairytale on the evidence of the first-half as Shevchenko, who has been struggling with injury for the past year, looked way off the pace.

It was Shevchenko's counterpart, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who opened the scoring in the 52nd minute, albeit somewhat controversially as a Ukraine player was lying injured but the Swedes played on regardless.

Ibrahimovic coolly slotted the ball into the net and embarked on a typical flamboyant celebration, arm raised straight in the air.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, left, waves as he watches with UEFA President Michel Platini the Group D match between Ukraine and Sweden.

Sweden's Kim Kallstrom, left, gets a yellow card from the referee during the Euro 2012 Group D match between Ukraine and Sweden.

Ukraine had three shots on goal while Sweden had four but the hosts managed to pull off three saves.

Sweden coach Erik Hamren had every reason to look angry given that his team has England and France to tackle next and they could not afford to lose this game.