Ukraine players were reduced to tears at full time following their Euro 2024 win over Slovakia.
Serhiy Rebrov’s side appeared to be on the verge of another shock defeat at the tournament after losing against Romania in their opener last week, trailing Slovakia 1-0 through Ivan Schranz’s strike.
In the second half, however, they came back through Mykola Shaparenko and Roman Yaremchuk, with the latter’s late goal ensuring they picked up three vital points in the Group E clash.
They have now given themselves a chance of reaching the last 16 in the tournament, with ant result against Belgium sure to confirm their place.
Following the full time whistle on Friday afternoon, meanwhile, a numnber of the Ukraine players showed their emotion at the importance of their result, for both on and off field reasons.
Ukraine players were reduced to tears at full time of their Euro 2024 win over Slovakia
The players gathered in a huddle as they celebrated the win that kept their hopes of qualification alive
Roman Yaremchuk led the celebrations after scoring the winning goal for his side in Germany
Yaremchuk was seen crying as he embraced the Ukraine fans at full time after victory was confirmed.
The players gathered in a huggle as the full time whistle went, with a number of senior Ukraine officials, including Andriy Shevchenko, celebrating in the stands.
It was the first time they had won a game at a major tournament since reaching the last 16 at Euro 2020 three years ago, when they were eliminated by England.
Ukraine had been backed to get out the group ahead of Romania and Slovakia, but a shock defeat by Romania in their opener had left their hopes hanging by a thread.
They must now either secure a result agaisnt Belgium or keep their goal difference hit to a minimum and hope theird record is enough to qualify as a best-placed third-placed team.
It is, however, not out of the question that three points could be enough to qualify automatically.
The Ukraine players embraced their fans as they celebrated the landmark victory together
Ukraine supporters had made themselves heart throughout the game in Dusseldorf Arena
Yaremchuk received widespread praise for his goal, which involved bringing a ball over the top down with a fine first tough before slotting home for the winner.
He saluted in celebration, paying trubute to the fans who attended the game in the Dusseldorf Arena, receiving cheers and chants of praise in response.