Thaindian News

Kiev, June 12 (IANS) Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko feels it was not time to celebrate after the team’s 2-1 win over Sweden and said it was important to focus on the remaining matches against France and England in the Euro 2012 football tournament.

“This is a historic victory, but we have two extremely difficult games ahead of us. Now is not the time for euphoria,” Shevchenko, who scored two headers, told reporters after Monday night’s win.

“I, as a striker, look for free space all the time. As for the first goal, I received an excellent pass from Andriy Yermolenko, and I was a second ahead of the defender. As for the second goal, we trained this combination. The ball went through a small hole, there was no other opportunity to score,” Shevchenko was quoted as saying in the Ukranian press.

Shevchenko was named Man of the Match and at a post-match press conference legendary Croatian soccer player Davor Suker handed him the prize.

“I am overfilled with emotions. It is something fantastic! Euro at home, the first game - 2:1. We won, deserved victory, we played well,” said Shevchenko.

“Thanks to all fans and thanks to lads for good game. We have good chances. We need to recover before the game with French team - each game is like a final. Today we won, but we need to prepare for further matches,” he say.