Euro 2012: Shevchenko gives Ukraine opening win

Riding on Andriy Shevchenko's brace hosts Ukraine defeated Sweden 2-1 in a Group D tie to take all three points.

Riding on Andriy Shevchenko's brace hosts Ukraine defeated Sweden 2-1 in a Group D tie to take all three points.

Euro 2012 Photos

Zoom

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)

facebook

twitter

WhatsApp

reddit
Zoom

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

facebook

twitter

WhatsApp

reddit
Zoom

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.

facebook

twitter

WhatsApp

reddit
Zoom

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.

facebook

twitter

WhatsApp

reddit
Zoom

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.

facebook

twitter

WhatsApp

reddit
Zoom

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

facebook

twitter

WhatsApp

reddit
Zoom

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

facebook

twitter

WhatsApp

reddit
Zoom

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

facebook

twitter

WhatsApp

reddit
Zoom

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

facebook

twitter

WhatsApp

reddit
Zoom

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.

facebook

twitter

WhatsApp

reddit

Back to Euro 2012 photos

Korea Republic

South Africa