Five key take aways from Ukraine vs Sweden

1. Old is Gold

Andriy Shevchenko scored both of Ukraine’s goals to prove that age is just a number, and he’s still fit and strong as ever. The 35-year-old rolled back the years with two vintage headed goals in the space of six minutes and put a stop to all talk about his age (35) as he carried Ukraine to a great victory in its first ever European Championship game. His two strikes make him one of the top scorers in the tournament, alongside Alan Dzagoev and Mario Mandzukic.

2. Sweden still hopes on Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic put in some solid work, scored a goal and created numerous opportunities for his side, but Sweden being overtly dependant on him didn’t help. Ibra is super at hold up play, but Sweden does need better and faster wingers to capitalize on his movements.

3. Ukraine are no pushovers

They know what they want, and they’ll find ways of getting it. The passion showed by the players and fans alike definitely speaks a lot. Konoplyanka,Yarmolenko andVoronin were constant threats to the Swedish defence and kept them on their toes.

4. Both Goalkeepers need to work harder

Andriy Pyatov didn’t deal with Ibrahimovic’s shot across his body in a particularly convincing manner, but got lucky when his punch came back off a Sweden player. He then spilled a Rosenberg shot but got away with it. Andreas Isaksson struggled with the flight of a spectacular Voronin shot, but saved it nonetheless. He later did well to block Yarmolenko’s shot after Shevchenko had broken through.

5. Christian Wilhelmsson should retire

He came on for Larsson, but didn’t really create much impact on the game. If they still have him, can’t Sweden bring back Ljungberg or Brohlin or even Dahlin too? They’ll prove to be much more impactful that Wilhelmsson, for sure! It’s time for Sweden to give the young blood a chance now.