A quarter of a century ago, on June 18, 1996, Ukrainian football legend Sergey Rebrov made history by scoring the winning goal against England in the group stage of the European Championship. The match, held at Wembley Stadium, ended with a 1-0 victory for Ukraine, marking their first ever win against England.
Rebrov, who was just 22 years old at the time, had already established himself as a key player for the Ukrainian national team. His impressive performances for Dynamo Kyiv had caught the attention of many top European clubs, and he was considered one of the most promising young talents in the game.
The match against England was a highly anticipated one, with both teams vying for a spot in the knockout stage of the tournament. The atmosphere at Wembley was electric, with thousands of Ukrainian fans making the trip to support their team.
The game was evenly matched, with both teams creating chances but failing to find the back of the net. As the clock ticked towards the 75th minute, it seemed like the match was heading for a goalless draw. But then, in the 77th minute, Rebrov received a pass from Andriy Shevchenko and made a brilliant run towards the English goal.
With his quick feet and impeccable ball control, Rebrov dribbled past two defenders and unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box. The ball flew past the English goalkeeper and into the back of the net, sending the Ukrainian fans into a frenzy. Rebrov’s celebration, with his arms outstretched and a huge smile on his face, has become an iconic image in Ukrainian football history.
The goal not only secured Ukraine’s first ever win against England, but also helped them advance to the knockout stage of the tournament. It was a historic moment for Ukrainian football, and Rebrov’s name was etched in the hearts of every Ukrainian fan.
After the match, Rebrov was hailed as a hero in his home country. He was praised for his skill, determination, and leadership on the field. His goal against England was voted as the best goal of the tournament, and he was named in the UEFA Team of the Tournament.
Rebrov’s career continued to flourish after his heroics at Wembley. He went on to play for top European clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Fenerbahçe, and also had a successful managerial career with Dynamo Kyiv.
Today, 25 years later, Rebrov’s goal against England is still remembered and celebrated by Ukrainian football fans. It was a defining moment in the country’s football history, and it paved the way for future successes.
In conclusion, Sergey Rebrov’s winning goal against England in the 1996 European Championship will always hold a special place in the hearts of Ukrainian football fans. It was a moment of pure joy and pride, and it will continue to inspire future generations of Ukrainian footballers. Rebrov’s name will forever be associated with this historic victory, and his legacy will live on for years to come.
