Ukraine players were reduced to tears at full-time after their victory over Slovakia in Euro 2024.
Serhiy Rebrov’s side appeared to be on the brink of another shock defeat at the tournament after losing their opening match to Romania last week, leaving Slovakia 1-0 behind Ivan Schranz’s goal.
However, they came back in the second half through Mykola Shaparenko and Roman Yaremchuk, with the latter’s late goal seeing them take three crucial points in the Group E match.
They have now given themselves the chance to reach the last 16 of the tournament, with a result against Belgium sure to confirm their place.
After the whistle on Friday afternoon, a number of Ukrainian players showed their emotions about the importance of their result, both for reasons on and off the field.
Ukraine players were moved to tears during their victory over Slovakia in Euro 2024
The players gathered in a huddle as they celebrated the win that kept their hopes of qualifying alive
Roman Yaremchuk led the celebrations after scoring the winning goal for his side in Germany
Yaremchuk was seen crying as he hugged the Ukrainian fans at full-time after the win was confirmed.
The players hugged each other at the whistle, while a number of senior Ukrainian officials, including Andriy Shevchenko, celebrated in the stands.
It was the first time they had won a match at a major tournament since reaching the last 16 at Euro 2020 three years ago, when they were knocked out by England.
Ukraine had been backed to get out of the group ahead of Romania and Slovakia, but a shock defeat to Romania in their opener had left their hopes hanging by a thread.
They now need to either secure a result against Belgium or keep their goal difference to a minimum and hope their record is enough to qualify as the best-placed, third-placed team.
The Ukraine players hugged their fans as they celebrated the historic victory together
Ukraine supporters were passionate throughout the match at the Dusseldorf Arena
Yaremchuk received plenty of praise for his goal, which saw him bring a ball down over the top with a fine first hard strike before heading home for the winner.
He saluted in celebration and paid tribute to the fans attending the match at the Düsseldorf Arena, receiving cheers and praise in response.