In a thrilling Euro 2024 playoff final, Ukraine emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Iceland, booking their place in the finals. The match was decided by Mykhailo Mudryk’s late winner, which sent waves of celebration through the Ukrainian camp.

 

Despite facing challenges throughout qualifying due to the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukraine showcased their resilience and determination on the field. The Tarczynski Arena in Wroclaw, Poland, served as their temporary home, attracting a large contingent of Ukrainian fans, including many refugees who had settled there following the conflict in their homeland. The game started with a stunning strike from Iceland’s Albert Gudmundsson, giving the visitors an early lead after 30 minutes. Ukraine’s Roman Yaremchuk thought he had equalized just before halftime, but VAR ruled out his goal. However, Ukraine found their equalizer in the second half when Viktor Tsygankov finished off a fine move, cutting in from the right.

 

With the match seemingly heading for extra time, it was Mudryk who stepped up for Ukraine, curling a splendid shot from the edge of the area into the net with only six minutes remaining. His decisive goal sealed Ukraine’s qualification for the Euro 2024 finals, sparking jubilant celebrations amongst the team and their supporters. In another playoff final, Georgia etched their name in history by securing their first-ever qualification for a major tournament. After a tense goalless draw against Greece in Tbilisi, Georgia triumphed in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, winning 4-2.

 

Nika Kvekveskiri became the hero for Georgia as he confidently converted his spot-kick, sending the home crowd into delirium. The tension heightened when Greece’s Giorgos Giakoumakis missed his penalty attempt, allowing Georgia to seize the opportunity and secure their place in the Euro 2024 finals.

 

The Georgian supporters had witnessed their team’s earlier victory over Luxembourg in the playoff semi-final, and now they reveled in the joy of this historic achievement. Georgia will enter Group F alongside Portugal, Turkey, and Czech Republic when the Euros kick off in Germany on June 14.

 

The playoff final between Georgia and Greece was a hard-fought encounter, with few scoring opportunities during regular time. Tempers flared just before halftime, leading to both benches spilling onto the pitch. Georgia’s substitute goalkeeper, Giorgi Loria, received a red card during the altercation.