MYKHAILO MUDRYK was Ukraine’s hero as he sent his nation to the European Championship finals.
The Chelsea winger was starring for the Blue and Yellows in their Euro 2024 playoff final against Iceland last night.
A goal on the half an hour mark from Albert Gudmundsson threatened to down send Ukraine’s qualification hopes down the drain.
Ukraine thought they had earned an equaliser ten minutes later through ace Roman Yaremchuk, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside, meaning Mudryk and Co went into the interval a goal down.
However, nine minutes into the second half Viktor Tsygankov came up with an equaliser.
With the teams level as the full-time whistle edged closer, extra-time was looming at Tarczynski Arena Wroclaw, Poland.
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That was until Mudryk, 23, came up with a delightful finish in the 84th minute.
Dribbling with the ball down the right wing, goalscorer Tsygankov cut the ball back to Georgiy Sudakov.
Sudakov then cut the ball back to the edge of the area where Mudryk was waiting.
He then produced a first time shot which arrowed into the bottom left corner.
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The sumptuous strike proved to be the difference maker as Ukraine secured their spot in the summers Euros.
The winner earned a special message from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
He on Telegram: “Thank you boys! Thank you to the team!
“For proving once again that when Ukrainians face challenges but refuse to give up and continue the fight, they invariably win.”
Many fans also reserved praise for the match-winner, with one saying: “I’ve been too harsh, the aura this guy gives off is unmatched. Future superstar Mudryk.”
A second said: “Invest in Mykhailo Mudryk stocks now while you can. We are going big very soon.”
A third said: “Mykhailo Mudryk is a baller. I hope Poch is watching.”
Another added: “Mudryk sending his country to the Euros by scoring the the goal. Put some respect on his name.”
Mudryk arrived at Stamford Bridge with high hopes in a transfer which could rise to £88.5million.
However, poor form and inconsistent game time means he is yet to live up to such expectations.
The match was played on neutral ground due to Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia.
Ukraine will now face Belgium, Romania and Slovakia in Group E.
Elsewhere, Georgia defied the odds by beating Greece on penalties to qualify for their first-ever major tournament.
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They will be against Turkey, Portugal and Czechia in Group F.
However, there was heartbreak for Wales as they lost out on a finals spot as former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny saved Leeds star Daniel James from the penalty spot.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
