Overjoyed Sheva in dreamland as historic win puts co-hosts in pole position

Ukraine skipper Andrei Shevchenko hailed last night’s “historic” victory for the host nation as they got their campaign off to a winning start.

“I feel great — it was an historic game for us, it’s a victory,” said Shevchenko, who made his debut for his country in 1995.

“I feel like 20 years, not 35! Thank you to everybody who supported me. It was a very long walk because I had a lot of problems before the European Championships.

“It’s such an important competition — I feel fantastic!”

The 35-year-old Ukraine captain took his tally to 48 in 108 international appearances with two superb headers within seven minutes of each other — his opposite number Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s neat 52nd-minute finish had give the Swedes the lead. The victory sees Ukraine top the group.