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Ukraine Stun Slovakia with Late Winner in Euro 2024 Thriller

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2 years ago

June 22, 2024

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In a pulsating encounter at the Dusseldorf Arena, Ukraine snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Slovakia in their Euro 2024 Group C opener. The Ukrainians left it late, scoring the winner in the 88th minute to send their fans into raptures.

Slovakia started brightly, with their attacking trio of Haraslin, Duda, and Suslov causing problems for the Ukrainian defense. Their pressure paid off in the 35th minute when midfielder Juraj Kucka headed home a corner to give Slovakia a deserved lead. Slovakia’s initial dominance was characterized by their sharp, incisive play and a relentless pressing game that kept Ukraine on the back foot.

Ukraine struggled to find their footing in the first half but came out with renewed purpose after the break. Their persistence paid off in the 62nd minute when striker Roman Yaremchuk expertly finished a well-worked move to level the scores. This goal was the result of Ukraine’s tactical adjustments and increased tempo, which finally broke through Slovakia’s resilient defense.

The game seemed destined for a draw, but Ukraine had other plans. In the 88th minute, substitute midfielder Mykola Shaparenko popped up with a stunning winner, curling a shot into the top corner to send the Ukrainian bench into delirium. Shaparenko’s goal was a moment of sheer brilliance, highlighting his technical prowess and composure under pressure.

The win marks a dream start for Ukraine in Euro 2024, while Slovakia will rue their inability to hold on for a point. The defeat leaves them with an uphill task in a group that also includes powerhouses France and the Netherlands. Ukraine’s resilience and tactical nous were on full display, setting a positive tone for their campaign.

Ukraine’s next match against France promises to be a mouthwatering clash, as they seek to build on their momentum. Meanwhile, Slovakia will seek redemption against the Netherlands, aiming to bounce back from this setback. Both teams will need to bring their A-game to advance in this highly competitive group.

Euro 2024 continues to deliver exciting and unpredictable football, with Ukraine’s late winner against Slovakia being a prime example. Fans can look forward to more thrilling action as the tournament progresses, with each match bringing new twists and turns. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth coverage of this spectacular event.

Sports

Countries That Qualified For 2027 Women’s World Cup As Cameroon Beat Nigeria In Quarter- Final

Published

3 hours ago

August 10, 2026

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Cameroon on Sunday secured their place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after edging Nigeria’s Super Falcons 1-0 in their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final encounter.

The victory also sent the Indomitable Lionesses into the WAFCON semi-finals, securing their qualification for next year’s global tournament in Brazil.

The 2026 WAFCON doubles as Africa’s qualifying competition for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, with the four semi-finalists earning the continent’s automatic tickets to the tournament.

Cameroon join Algeria and Morocco, who had already sealed their places after reaching the semi-finals on Saturday.

Brazil will host the 2027 tournament, while the remaining qualifying places are being determined through continental competitions across the various confederations.

See full list of countries that qualified:

Host:

Brazil

AFC:

Australia
China PR
Japan
Korea DPR
Korea Republic
Philippines

CAF:

Algeria
Cameroon
Morocco

Concacaf:

None yet

CONMEBOL:

Argentina
Colombia

OFC:

New Zealand

UEFA:

Denmark
France
Germany
Spain

More teams are expected to secure qualification as the various continental qualification campaigns conclude.

The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will feature 32 teams.

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Just in: Unlucky Sunday for Nigeria as Super Falcons, Flying Eagles crumble, World Cup hopes dimmed

Published

7 hours ago

August 10, 2026

Austin Ojomah

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It is an unlucky Sunday for two National teams of Nigeria, the Super Falcons fell to Cameroon just as Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have been knocked out of the race for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup after suffering a heavy 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the final of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship.

The defeat at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire, also ended Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The WAFU Zone B final carried added importance, as the winner was guaranteed a place at the 2027 U-20 AFCON, which will serve as the qualifying tournament for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

With Burkina Faso emerging victorious, the Young Stallions secured the region’s ticket, while Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the global youth tournament came to an end.

Burkina Faso took control of the final from the opening whistle, scoring three goals within the first 15 minutes and leaving the Flying Eagles with a huge deficit.

Nigeria struggled to contain the Young Stallings’ attacking pressure and could not recover from the early setback before the break.

Coach Abdu Maikaba’s side attempted to fight back after the interval but failed to produce the response required to turn the game around.

Burkina Faso eventually added another goal to complete a convincing 4-1 victory, while Nigeria’s consolation effort was not enough to change the outcome.

The result was particularly painful for the Flying Eagles after Burkina Faso had already defeated them 2-0 during the group stage.

Nigeria had hoped to avenge that earlier loss in the final but instead suffered another defeat to the Young Stallions when the stakes were highest.

The Flying Eagles had reached the final after overcoming Côte d’Ivoire in a dramatic semi-final.

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WAFCON 2026: Super Falcons suffer shock defeat as Cameroon gets automatic ticket for World Cup

Published

8 hours ago

August 9, 2026

Austin Ojomah

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The defending champions Nigeria Super Falcons suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Cameroon at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, ending their WAFCON title defense and missing an automatic spot for the World Cup.

A 20th-minute free-kick by Maeva Nyadjou sealed the historic win for the Indomitable Lionesses .

Breakthrough: Teenage defender Maeva Nyadjou scored from a powerful 20th-minute free-kick to put Cameroon ahead.Nigerian Pressure: Nigeria dominated possession and created numerous chances, racking up heavy pressure and shots on goal, but couldn’t break down a resolute Cameroonian defense.Goheroics: Cameroon’s goalkeeper put in a player-of-the-match performance, denying late attacks including a final-moments chance from Esther Okoronkwo.Consequences of the LossWorld Cup Qualification: Cameroon booked an automatic ticket to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil and advanced to the WAFCON semi-finals against Morocco.Play-off Path: Nigeria’s title defense is over, but they move into a Wednesday play-in match against South Africa to chase a remaining inter-confederation play-off spot.Watch the match highlights and key moments from the dramatic quarter-final encounter: