Sports
Ukraine Stun Slovakia with Late Winner in Euro 2024 Thriller
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.
The Confederation of Africa Football is keeping all concerned in suspense after failing to announce its verdict on Wednesday as regards the botched AFCON qualifying Group A fixture scheduled for October 15 at Benina Martyrs Stadium.
It appears the football body has yet to arrive at a decision, with BeIN Sports revealing that the Disciplinary Committee entertained explanations from both parties on Wednesday via video conference, with Libya and Nigeria duly represented.
CAF had previously decided to cancel the Libya-Nigeria match after the Nigerian national team left Libya in protest at the diversion of its flight to Labraq Airport, where they were locked in for 18 hours with neither food nor water.
Nigeria had called on CAF to intervene to rescue them from detention inside Labraq Airport, according to the Nigerian side’s allegations.
CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, said that the incident was under investigation as the rules for receiving visiting teams are being reviewed, stressing that CAF will take strict decisions in this crisis and will not tolerate any deviation.
Raphinha netted a hat-trick as Barcelona thrashed Bayern Munich 4-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Brazilian winger opened the scoring in the first minute of the game before Harry Kane equalised within 10 minutes.
But Robert Lewandowski put Barca in front before Raphinha completed his hat-trick.
At the Etihad, Manchester City hammered Sparta Prague 5-0. Erling Haaland scored twice, while Phil Foden, John Stones and Matheus Nunes also got on the scoresheet.
Darwin Nunez scored the only goal as Liverpool won 1-0 at RB Leipzig.
In other games, Lille won 3-1 at Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan beat Young Boys 1-0 and Bayer Leverkusen were held to a 1-1 draw by Brest.
Real Madrid pulled off another sensational comeback in the Champions League on Tuesday night, coming from two goals down to defeat Borussia Dortmund 5-2 at the Bernabeu.
The Bundesliga side stunned the home crowd with goals from Donyell Malen and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
But Vinicius Junior struck a second-half hat-trick as the holders took all three points.
At the Emirates, Gabriel Martinelli forced an own goal in the first half, as they edged Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0.
PSV played out a 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain.
In other fixtures, AC Milan beat Club Brugge 3-1, Aston Villa saw off Bologna 2-0, Stuttgart shocked Juventus 1-0 in Turin and Sporting Lisbon won 2-0 at Sturm Graz.
NEED Coordinator, Oteri Condemns Transfer of Ministry of Niger Delta to Regional Development
Crash: All eight helicopter passengers may have perished — Police
Just in : Military Announces Arrest of IPOB’s Founding Father
Just in: Terrorists ambush military truck, kill all soldiers on board
Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Attacked with acid, stabbed on stage In UK
Meet Rare Gem 16 Years Old Chiaza, CEO of ‘RUN MARKET PLACE’
-
Economy24 hours agoSEE Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today, October 24 2024
-
News14 hours agoReps Give Five-day Ultimatum To Perm Sec, Works Ministry Over N1.46bn Abandoned Road Project
-
News15 hours agoYou Should Be Sanctioned For Perjury’, PTD Chides NUPENG President
-
News12 hours agoForeign object hits VP Shettima’s Plane in US, aborts Commonwealth trip
-
News16 hours agoCaycee Mboya, tallest woman in Kenya, wants to be a second wife
-
Metro21 hours agoTroops smash kidnapping syndicate, arrest 3 suspects in Taraba
-
News19 hours agoJust in: Three confirmed dead as helicopter crashes into river in Port Harcourt
-
News21 hours agoBREAKING! June 12 electoral body chairman Prof Nwosu is dead