Mykhailo Mudryk goal sends Ukraine to Euro 2024 as Chelsea star becomes national hero
Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk sent Ukraine to Euro 2024 with a late goal in a 2-1 victory over Iceland on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old scored a stunning 84th-minute winner as the Ukrainians came from behind to book their place in Germany.
1
Mudryk became an instant Ukraine legendCredit: GettyAlbert Gudmundsson put Iceland ahead on 30 minutes before Viktor Tsyhankov equalised early in the second-half.
With six minutes remaining, Mudryk delivered a moment of magic with a first-time effort from the edge of the box.
It sparked wild scenes at the Wroclaw Stadium in Poland, where Ukraine were forced to play due to the ongoing war with Russia.
Mudryk has endured a difficult time at Stamford Bridge since his £89million move from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023.
READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe winger was only managed five goals in 43 appearances in all competitions, struggling for starts under manager Mauricio Pochettino.
However, Mudryk has now escalated himself to legendary status in Ukraine with a moment akin to David Beckham’s last-gasp free-kick for England against Greece in 2001.
The Blue and Yellow will feel justice has been done after they were controversially beaten to an automatic place at Euro 2024 by Italy.
Mudryk was denied a penalty in the dying-moments of the decisive final qualification match against Italy, who were subsequently able to cling onto a 0-0 draw and beat Ukraine out of the group via their head-to-head record.
Most read in Euro 2024
Nevertheless, Ukraine have qualified the hard way, scoring two late goals to secure a 2-1 comeback victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in their first play-off match, before Murdyk’s heroics against Iceland.
Chelsea fans, meanwhile, will hope it can be a moment which propels Mudryk into fulfilling his undeniable potential in a blue shirt.
The Ukrainian has shown glimpses of his talent with important goals against Newcastle and Leeds in recent months.
