Following France and England's 1-1 draw in Group D on Monday, Ukraine and Sweden knew that a win for either would take them top of the group come the end of the evening.
Sweden were handed the lead by Zlatan Ibrahimovic after 52 minutes. However, a brace of headers from Andriy Shevchenko secured the 2-1 victory for the host nation.
What an incredible story for a man who is almost certainly competing in his last international tournament.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes between the two Group D rivals.
Ukraine statistics:
Shots 14
On target 6
Possession 57%
Corners 3
Fouls 12
Sweden Statistics:
Shots: 12
On target: 6
Possession: 43%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 18
Was the result fair?
Ukraine certainly dominated the opening half of play, with Sweden desperately short of ideas and confidence, bar a certain Ibrahimovic. Sweden improved in the second period, as did Ukraine, and the host nation just about shaded it.
Ukraine's performance
Ukraine were full of energy and imagination and impressed with their ability to pass a football. Aside from Shevchenko; Antatoli Tymoshchuk and Andriy Voronin also impressed with workmanlike displays.
Sweden's performance
I think the perfect word to describe Sweden's performance would be bitty. In Ibrahimovic they had the best player on the park. However, they were devout of ideas in midfield and looked suspect in defence.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Andriy Shevchenko: Who else? He scored goals number 47 and 48 for his country as he turned back the clock with two thumping headers. In truth, he had little involvement in other areas, but who cares?
Referee performance
Tonight's referee Cuneyt Cakir was the man who dismissed Chelsea defender John Terry in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona last season. We hardly noticed him tonight, which is a good sign for a referee.
Biggest gaffe of the game
Johan Elmander, dear oh dear. The Sweden striker was sent through one-on-one in the final moments of the match but instead of sending his side level, he fired horribly over the bar.
What next?
Ukraine: Just about the perfect start for Ukraine as they moved top of Group D. They certainly carry a threat with their all-action style and neither England nor France will relish the test.
Sweden: To be blunt, their progress to the quarter-finals depends on the performance of Ibrahimovic. Aside from the skipper, there is no great quality and no real leadership.
Matt Law
