'They showed the spirit of the country' – Ukraine boss Sergiy Rebrov full of praise for his side after stirring Euro 2024 comeback against Slovakia

Sergiy Rebrov claimed Ukraine players "showed the spirit of the country" after his troops scripted a stirring Euro 2024 comeback against Slovakia.

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• Ukraine beat Slovakia 2-1
• Scored late to clinch the three points
• Rebrov delighted with his team's character

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The completed a remarkable comeback against Slovakia, securing a 2-1 victory in Dusseldorf on Friday. This victory is vital for Ukraine's hopes of advancing to the knockout stages after their heavy 3-0 defeat to Romania in their opening match. Going into the half-time break trailing 1-0 after a goal by Slovakia's Ivan Schranz in the 17th minute, Ukraine turned the tables in the second half with goals from Mykola Shaparenko and substitute Roman Yaremchuk.

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  WHAT REBROV SAID

  Rebrov's calm and focused approach during half-time was crucial. "I didn't shout [at half-time]. We had to react in the second half," Rebrov told reporters. "We weren't pressing high enough. We understood this was our chance and that's what I said. I said 'Don't worry about the score and just go for it'.

  "This is not a different team. There was a different spirit — I am pleased for the players — they showed the spirit of Ukraine and deserved this win. It was important to win for our country, our fighters, our supporters."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite the loss, Slovakia still has a viable path to qualification. They had previously defeated Belgium 1-0, and their manager, Francesco Calzona, remains optimistic. "We had the opportunity [today] but we knew we had to win against a team who had to win at all costs," Calzona said. "We are the Cinderella story of the group stage — the fact we're still competing at Matchday 3 is significant. We try to play football against anyone, regardless of the opposition, and I'm proud of that. We'll do everything in our power to beat Romania".

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  WHAT NEXT FOR UKRAINE?

  Ukraine will have their tails high when they take on Belgium on June 26 in the final group match. A victory will fire them to the knockouts at the expense of Romelu Lukaku and Co.