Ukraine against Sweden

What a miss! Elmander misses on the volley from 12 yards after he'd run onto to Ibrahimovic's delightful flick. Sweden needed Ibra himself to be on the end of that.

Milevskiy does well to break but neglects to pick out a telling pass. Yarmolenko then gets involved before Gusev fouls Mellberg.

A very sloppy passage of play - the heat taking its toll. Ukraine can smell the finish line and they are wobbling a little.

Again Wilhelmsson provdes danger for Ukraine as he swings in a tempting cross that neither Mikhalik nor Khacheridi can clear. Luckily for them, Ibra couldn't turn it home.

Ibrahimovic nods Kallstrom's cross back towards the penalty spot before Milevskiy wins a free kick from the clumsy Mellberg.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Voronin, the other veteran striker, heads off after a very good shift. Ruslan Rotan is on.

Nazarenko fires the free kick a yard wide of the post.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15">Very well done from Voronin, who swaps passes with the new man and wins a foul from Elm as he lurched towards the edge of the area.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Shevchenko trots off to a huge ovation, he is a God in these parts. Milevskiy replaces him.

Better from Sweden as Wilhelmsson cuts inside and ends a nice move with a shot right at Pyatov.

Voronin harries towards Isaksson who looks less than confident clearing with his left foot.

Really good run from Wilhelmsson, as he races into the area, goes round Selin but can't poke the ball across goal before Pyatov gets there.

Excellent exchange between Ibrahimovic and Elm, it sets up a chance to shoot that Ibra gleefully accepts, thumping a tracer bullet shot at Pyatov who does well to repel it.

Sweden must hope that the pressure of holding onto this lead gets to Ukraine. This would be a seismic win for them.

Lovely chest down from Konplyanka, who then tries to score with a half volley from 35 yards out. Come on lad, you're not Papiss Cisse.

Mellberg is penalised for an arm that crashes into Voronin's head. Fair to say he doesn't agree with the call.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Rosenberg heads off and Johan Elmander is on, having recovered from a broken foot sustained in a game for Galatasaray in the last game of the Turkish season.

Down the other end, Konoplyanka fires over from outside the box.

Good break from Elm - he gallops onto Kallstrom's ball but can only loop it up for Pyatov to catch.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Another change, Larsson makes way for Wilhelmsson.

The dreaded Mexican wave rushes round the custard bowl. Quite a sight.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Svensson has come on for Toivonen.

Tymoschuk is down now after Kallstrom treads on the top of his foot. He's been booked too.

Ibra's frustration is growing. He was bundled over by Khacheridi but no foul was given, then he gets up and bundles his opponent over. Foul given.

A catalogue of errors from Sweden - Ibrahimovic lost Shevchenko and Lustig had wandered ever so slightly from his near post station.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Shevchenko again! What a fairytale! He meets the corner at the near post and glances home. Pandemonium in the custard bowl!

Voronin gets good possession inside the area, turns Granqvist but has hit shot slash cross blocked by Lustig.

A much better game in this second half. Far more adventure on display.

Gusev goes for glory as the ball comes back to him on the corner of the penalty area but he can't keep his head over the strike.

Now Voronin and Konoplyanka exchange slick passes and Larsson prevents the latter getting into the area.

And didn't he enjoy that! Had Ukraine not been awarded Euro 2012 Shevchenko probably would have quit years ago but he's still here and still has that predatory instinct. Great movement to get in front of Mellberg.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Shevchenko equalises! He rolls back the years with a superb header from Yarmolenko's cross and we are level!

This will be a big test for Ukraine now. The stadium has been silenced and Sweden are starting to look comfortable on the ball.

Ukraine are not happy at all as Selin was on the deck and clearly in pain. That meant everyone else was out of position but Yarmolenko has to take a fair share of the blame. He had a chance to nod clear and snuff out the danger.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Ibrahimovic scores! Selin was down but Sweden played on, a deep Larsson cross wasn't cleared by Yarmolenko and as Rosenberg passed it across, Ibra turned it home.

Shevchenko looks in pain again after a clash with Granqvist. Looks like he bumped his knee. He's back up and running now.

Now a chance for Sweden as Larsson wins the ball well, it spins out wide to Rosenberg but his shot is well blocked by Selin.

Larsson fouls Konoplyanka to relive a little bit of pressure on Ukraine who were caught up near their corner flag.

Lively start from Ukraine as Yarmolenko crosses and Voronin hooks the ball across goal from the rebound. Elm clears.

No changes to either side as we begin again...

The teams emerge for the second half and with England and France to come, you have to feel they need to grasp the nettle and win this game.

As for the other match, it is win or bust for the Czech Republic, who were hit for four by Russia in their opener. They will play a buoyant Greece side who battled back for a good point against Poland to play the role of party poopers. <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=334192&ref=espnfc&cc=5739" target="_blank">Here's our preview of that one</a>.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, the other hosts Poland, have a chance to redeem themselves after a second half collapse against Greece. <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview/_/id/334193&ref=espnfc?cc=5739" target="_blank">Here's our match preview</a>.

Sweden defending very deep in that opening half until the last 15 minutes when they pushed up a bit and Ukraine started getting through a bit more. Just seen a replay of Shevchenko's chance. He'd have buried that if it had been wearing red and black.

<b>HALF TIME</b> - A half that came to life in the last ten minutes after a pretty poor opening. Ibrahimovic was Sweden's best player and he should have scored with his header but Ukraine have looked more lively, with Shevchenko wasting their best chance.

Toivonen hasn;t really been tracking back as much as he should have been. Most openings coming down Ukraine's right flank. Gusev loves getting forward.

Why didn't Voronin play like this at Anfield? He's been excellent in the first half. No, really.

Elm wants a foul for Shevchenko's grappling but nothing doing. Sweden reclaim the ball quickly enough though.

Acres of space for Gusev on the right flank, he dinks a cross to Konoplyanka at the back post but he fires a volley over the bar. Good build up though. Ukraine look neat in possession.

A much-needed flurry of chances from a game that has probably been one of the worst we've seen at the tournament so far.

Very slack from Khacheridi, putting Pyatov in trouble and from the throw in, Ibrahimovic is all alone but nods Elm's cross against the outside of the post. Well, the game has come to life.

Big chances for Ukraine! Voronin finds Shevchenko - his shot is blocked - but he nods across goal where Yarmolenko's effort from six yards is blocked by a posse of navy blue shirts.

Konoplyanka cust in again and has a pop but though it swerves late it was always bypassing the back post on the wrong side.

Larsson rises high to claim the corner under no pressure. Delivery into the box, aside from Ibrahimovic's cross, has been awful.

At the other end Ibrahimovic attempts to dribble through the whole of Ukraine before winning a corner. A shot might have been more appropriate.

Cute pass from Nazarenko as he sets Voronin off and the former Liverpool striker hits a powerful shot right at Isaksson but the goalkeeper parries up into the air.

Voronin looks to have won the ball off a dawdling Olsson but the ref hands Sweden a free kick, for which they are grateful, as Yarmolenko was off into the area.

Quite a lot of aimless punting from both sides when they are in possession.

A shot on target at last as Toivonen flicks on to Rosenberg but his effort lacks power even though Pyatov makes a bit of a meal of it.

Ibrahimovic attempts a shot on the turn and the ball squirts out for a throw in.

Nazarenko's delivery is deep, in keeping with the previous efforts, and Isaksson claims.

Konoplyanka is tripped by Lustig and Ukraine have a free kick now.

Mellberg marauds forward - not often you hear that in a sentence - but after he feeds Kallstrom the cross is blocked. Sweden win a corner.

Voronin makes a good run from deep and Nazarenko's pass very nearly finds him beyond Mellberg.

Shevchenko has gone down off the ball clutching his thigh. That was an odd one. Back up now saying he's alright.

Oh dear Shevchenko - a great break from Ukraine and a nice one-two puts the former AC Milan striker in the clear but he drags his shot well wide from a tight angle. A nation groans.

Elm takes a leaf out of Delap's book with a long throw but then Ukraine break.

Space on the right for Gusev but his cross is deflected and Sweden clear. Ibrahimovic is again involved before Larsson loses the ball on the right.

Yarmolenko raced down the left then dived shamelessly as Larsson came across. As Sweden break, Toivonen looks for Rosenberg but he can't turn the ball home and was offside in any case.

A very bitty start to the game and the vociferous home crowd starting to get a little concerned you sense.

Olsson whips in a ball without looking. Had he perused the penalty area he'd have seen none of his team-mates were in it.

Sweden must just get Ibra on the ball whenever they can. That was lovely football, holding off Mikhalik and creating space before curling a devillish ball in.

First slice of quality in the game as Ibrahimovic delivers a dangerous ball into the mixer. Pyatov punches it clear before Selin completes the clearance.

Granqvist climbs over Voronin to win a ball and gets a shin in his face. The ref gives Ukraine a foul too.

His was even worse than Larsson's. Ibrahimovic can't keep it in at the back post. Poor. Not a great opening 15 in truth.

Tymoschuk is penalised for an inadvertent trip of Olsson. Elm will take the free kick.

Much the brighter start from the hosts. Not much penetration to speak of though.

.<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15">But this one is very poor, far too deep and Pyatov collects before setting Ukraine away on the break. Kallstrom attempts to stop it and is rewarded with a card for tripping Gusev.

Larsson prepares to whip in a free kick.

Mellberg wins the ball from Shevchenko. There are 232 caps between those two. Not half bad.

Konoplyanka again cuts inside and finds Voronin but his attempted pass is cut out by Elm.

Granqvist beats Shevchenko in the air as Selin launches up a long ball.

Konoplyanka cuts in from the right and blasts a shot wide. The Ukrainian fans liked that. Kallstrom replies with a drive of his own, two yards over the bar.

Now Granqvist barges into Voronin. Sweden clearly keen not to let Ukraine settle at all.

Khacheridi is clattered by an eager Rosenberg.

I think I'm in love with Sweden's away kit. It's gorgeous.

<b>KICK OFF</b>

A tad on the long side Ukraine's anthem, but all of it was sung with gusto. Now it is Sweden's turn.

This is a huge ask for Ukraine as they play their first competitive match in two years, against the backdrop of such expectancy. A wall of noise greets the teams as they emerge into the stadium. What a feeling that must be.

There is a sea of yellow in the Olympic Stadium, ungraciously described as a giant custard bowl by our commentator. Shevchenko and Ibrahimovic meet at the head of the two lines of players, two icons of their national support going head to head.

Ibrahimovic starts in this new role he plays for Sweden now, as support striker slash creator. Rosenborg tends to operate furthest forward, while the names of Kallstrom, Larsson and Toivonen are well known around Europe. They are tipped as favourites by many, but they have a tidal wave of national fervour to overcome.

The team news is in, with no real surprises in either line up. Shevchenko and Voronin start up top for Ukraine, who clearly won't be relying on their pace to create goals. The two wide players, Yarmolenko and Konoplyanka do though, and the experienced Tymoschuk will sit in.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0229/zlatanibrahimovicswedenceleb20120229_275x155.jpg"><br> Which Ibrahimovic will turn up tonight?

To get you in the mood, why not have a read of <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=334191&ref=espnfc&cc=5739" target="_blank">Chris Borg's match preview</a>. And join us shortly to find out which of the teams that operates in yellow and blue will emerge as victors.

Ukraine must hope they don't become paralysed with fear, as Poland's coach Franciszek Smuda thought his side did on Friday. Sweden represents a winnable game for coach Oleg Blokhin's side though, despite the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the opposition.

Euro 2012 co-hosts Ukraine open their account against Sweden at the gloriously revamped Olympic Stadium in Kiev, looking to take control of Group D after France and England drew 1-1. After Poland opened the tournament on Friday, this is Ukraine's chance to announce themselves on the world stage.

Mellberg is penalised for an arm that crashes into Voronin's head. Fair to say he doesn't agree with the call.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Rosenberg heads off and Johan Elmander is on, having recovered from a broken foot sustained in a game for Galatasaray in the last game of the Turkish season.

Down the other end, Konoplyanka fires over from outside the box.

Good break from Elm - he gallops onto Kallstrom's ball but can only loop it up for Pyatov to catch.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Another change, Larsson makes way for Wilhelmsson.

The dreaded Mexican wave rushes round the custard bowl. Quite a sight.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Svensson has come on for Toivonen.

Tymoschuk is down now after Kallstrom treads on the top of his foot. He's been booked too.

Ibra's frustration is growing. He was bundled over by Khacheridi but no foul was given, then he gets up and bundles his opponent over. Foul given.

A catalogue of errors from Sweden - Ibrahimovic lost Shevchenko and Lustig had wandered ever so slightly from his near post station.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Shevchenko again! What a fairytale! He meets the corner at the near post and glances home. Pandemonium in the custard bowl!

Voronin gets good possession inside the area, turns Granqvist but has hit shot slash cross blocked by Lustig.

A much better game in this second half. Far more adventure on display.

Gusev goes for glory as the ball comes back to him on the corner of the penalty area but he can't keep his head over the strike.

Now Voronin and Konoplyanka exchange slick passes and Larsson prevents the latter getting into the area.

And didn't he enjoy that! Had Ukraine not been awarded Euro 2012 Shevchenko probably would have quit years ago but he's still here and still has that predatory instinct. Great movement to get in front of Mellberg.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Shevchenko equalises! He rolls back the years with a superb header from Yarmolenko's cross and we are level!

This will be a big test for Ukraine now. The stadium has been silenced and Sweden are starting to look comfortable on the ball.

Ukraine are not happy at all as Selin was on the deck and clearly in pain. That meant everyone else was out of position but Yarmolenko has to take a fair share of the blame. He had a chance to nod clear and snuff out the danger.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Ibrahimovic scores! Selin was down but Sweden played on, a deep Larsson cross wasn't cleared by Yarmolenko and as Rosenberg passed it across, Ibra turned it home.

Shevchenko looks in pain again after a clash with Granqvist. Looks like he bumped his knee. He's back up and running now.

Now a chance for Sweden as Larsson wins the ball well, it spins out wide to Rosenberg but his shot is well blocked by Selin.

Larsson fouls Konoplyanka to relive a little bit of pressure on Ukraine who were caught up near their corner flag.

Lively start from Ukraine as Yarmolenko crosses and Voronin hooks the ball across goal from the rebound. Elm clears.

No changes to either side as we begin again...

The teams emerge for the second half and with England and France to come, you have to feel they need to grasp the nettle and win this game.

As for the other match, it is win or bust for the Czech Republic, who were hit for four by Russia in their opener. They will play a buoyant Greece side who battled back for a good point against Poland to play the role of party poopers. <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=334192&ref=espnfc&cc=5739" target="_blank">Here's our preview of that one</a>.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, the other hosts Poland, have a chance to redeem themselves after a second half collapse against Greece. <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview/_/id/334193&ref=espnfc?cc=5739" target="_blank">Here's our match preview</a>.

Sweden defending very deep in that opening half until the last 15 minutes when they pushed up a bit and Ukraine started getting through a bit more. Just seen a replay of Shevchenko's chance. He'd have buried that if it had been wearing red and black.

<b>HALF TIME</b> - A half that came to life in the last ten minutes after a pretty poor opening. Ibrahimovic was Sweden's best player and he should have scored with his header but Ukraine have looked more lively, with Shevchenko wasting their best chance.

Toivonen hasn;t really been tracking back as much as he should have been. Most openings coming down Ukraine's right flank. Gusev loves getting forward.

Why didn't Voronin play like this at Anfield? He's been excellent in the first half. No, really.

Elm wants a foul for Shevchenko's grappling but nothing doing. Sweden reclaim the ball quickly enough though.

Acres of space for Gusev on the right flank, he dinks a cross to Konoplyanka at the back post but he fires a volley over the bar. Good build up though. Ukraine look neat in possession.

A much-needed flurry of chances from a game that has probably been one of the worst we've seen at the tournament so far.

Very slack from Khacheridi, putting Pyatov in trouble and from the throw in, Ibrahimovic is all alone but nods Elm's cross against the outside of the post. Well, the game has come to life.

Big chances for Ukraine! Voronin finds Shevchenko - his shot is blocked - but he nods across goal where Yarmolenko's effort from six yards is blocked by a posse of navy blue shirts.

Konoplyanka cust in again and has a pop but though it swerves late it was always bypassing the back post on the wrong side.

Larsson rises high to claim the corner under no pressure. Delivery into the box, aside from Ibrahimovic's cross, has been awful.

At the other end Ibrahimovic attempts to dribble through the whole of Ukraine before winning a corner. A shot might have been more appropriate.

Cute pass from Nazarenko as he sets Voronin off and the former Liverpool striker hits a powerful shot right at Isaksson but the goalkeeper parries up into the air.

Voronin looks to have won the ball off a dawdling Olsson but the ref hands Sweden a free kick, for which they are grateful, as Yarmolenko was off into the area.

Quite a lot of aimless punting from both sides when they are in possession.

A shot on target at last as Toivonen flicks on to Rosenberg but his effort lacks power even though Pyatov makes a bit of a meal of it.

Ibrahimovic attempts a shot on the turn and the ball squirts out for a throw in.

Nazarenko's delivery is deep, in keeping with the previous efforts, and Isaksson claims.

Konoplyanka is tripped by Lustig and Ukraine have a free kick now.

Mellberg marauds forward - not often you hear that in a sentence - but after he feeds Kallstrom the cross is blocked. Sweden win a corner.

Voronin makes a good run from deep and Nazarenko's pass very nearly finds him beyond Mellberg.

Shevchenko has gone down off the ball clutching his thigh. That was an odd one. Back up now saying he's alright.

Oh dear Shevchenko - a great break from Ukraine and a nice one-two puts the former AC Milan striker in the clear but he drags his shot well wide from a tight angle. A nation groans.

Elm takes a leaf out of Delap's book with a long throw but then Ukraine break.

Space on the right for Gusev but his cross is deflected and Sweden clear. Ibrahimovic is again involved before Larsson loses the ball on the right.

Yarmolenko raced down the left then dived shamelessly as Larsson came across. As Sweden break, Toivonen looks for Rosenberg but he can't turn the ball home and was offside in any case.

A very bitty start to the game and the vociferous home crowd starting to get a little concerned you sense.

Olsson whips in a ball without looking. Had he perused the penalty area he'd have seen none of his team-mates were in it.

Sweden must just get Ibra on the ball whenever they can. That was lovely football, holding off Mikhalik and creating space before curling a devillish ball in.

First slice of quality in the game as Ibrahimovic delivers a dangerous ball into the mixer. Pyatov punches it clear before Selin completes the clearance.

Granqvist climbs over Voronin to win a ball and gets a shin in his face. The ref gives Ukraine a foul too.

His was even worse than Larsson's. Ibrahimovic can't keep it in at the back post. Poor. Not a great opening 15 in truth.

Tymoschuk is penalised for an inadvertent trip of Olsson. Elm will take the free kick.

Much the brighter start from the hosts. Not much penetration to speak of though.

.<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15">But this one is very poor, far too deep and Pyatov collects before setting Ukraine away on the break. Kallstrom attempts to stop it and is rewarded with a card for tripping Gusev.

Larsson prepares to whip in a free kick.

Mellberg wins the ball from Shevchenko. There are 232 caps between those two. Not half bad.

Konoplyanka again cuts inside and finds Voronin but his attempted pass is cut out by Elm.

Granqvist beats Shevchenko in the air as Selin launches up a long ball.

Konoplyanka cuts in from the right and blasts a shot wide. The Ukrainian fans liked that. Kallstrom replies with a drive of his own, two yards over the bar.

Now Granqvist barges into Voronin. Sweden clearly keen not to let Ukraine settle at all.

Khacheridi is clattered by an eager Rosenberg.

I think I'm in love with Sweden's away kit. It's gorgeous.

<b>KICK OFF</b>

A tad on the long side Ukraine's anthem, but all of it was sung with gusto. Now it is Sweden's turn.

This is a huge ask for Ukraine as they play their first competitive match in two years, against the backdrop of such expectancy. A wall of noise greets the teams as they emerge into the stadium. What a feeling that must be.

There is a sea of yellow in the Olympic Stadium, ungraciously described as a giant custard bowl by our commentator. Shevchenko and Ibrahimovic meet at the head of the two lines of players, two icons of their national support going head to head.

Ibrahimovic starts in this new role he plays for Sweden now, as support striker slash creator. Rosenborg tends to operate furthest forward, while the names of Kallstrom, Larsson and Toivonen are well known around Europe. They are tipped as favourites by many, but they have a tidal wave of national fervour to overcome.

The team news is in, with no real surprises in either line up. Shevchenko and Voronin start up top for Ukraine, who clearly won't be relying on their pace to create goals. The two wide players, Yarmolenko and Konoplyanka do though, and the experienced Tymoschuk will sit in.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2012/0229/zlatanibrahimovicswedenceleb20120229_275x155.jpg"><br> Which Ibrahimovic will turn up tonight?

To get you in the mood, why not have a read of <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=334191&ref=espnfc&cc=5739" target="_blank">Chris Borg's match preview</a>. And join us shortly to find out which of the teams that operates in yellow and blue will emerge as victors.

Ukraine must hope they don't become paralysed with fear, as Poland's coach Franciszek Smuda thought his side did on Friday. Sweden represents a winnable game for coach Oleg Blokhin's side though, despite the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the opposition.

Euro 2012 co-hosts Ukraine open their account against Sweden at the gloriously revamped Olympic Stadium in Kiev, looking to take control of Group D after France and England drew 1-1. After Poland opened the tournament on Friday, this is Ukraine's chance to announce themselves on the world stage.