Andriy Shevchenko netted a brace in seven minutes to help Euro 2012 co-hosts Ukraine to a thrilling 2-1 win over Sweden in Kiev on Monday.

Ukraine dominated possession in the early stages but Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave Sweden the lead after the break, when Ukraine had a player down. But a quick fire double from Shevchenko turned the game on its head and gave Ukraine the win in their first ever Euro match, sending them to the top of Group D.

The game had a cagey start and the fans had to wait till the 17th minute to see the first attempt at goal. Ibrahimovic cut inside to enter the Ukraine area from the left and curled in an effort that was saved by Andriy Pyatov.

Shevchenko had a massive chance to put the hosts in the lead five minutes later when a smooth one-two with Andriy Yarmolenko send the former Chelsea striker through on goal. However, the 35-year-old pulled his shot wide much to the disappointment of the crowd.

Ibrahimovic came desperately close to opening the scoring just before the break, when he met Sunderland midfielder Sebastian Larsson's cross in the box but the AC Milan striker's header struck the post and went out.

However, not long after the restart, Ibrahimovic put Sweden ahead. Ukraine failed to clear Larsson's cross again and it found Markus Rosenberg. The Werder Bremen man squared the ball to the Swedish captain, who applied the finish when the hosts' left-back Yevhen Selin was down injured, leading to some protests from the Ukraine players.

The lead lasted only three minutes as Shevchenko stole the ball in front of a leaping Olof Mellberg to head past Andreas Isaksson, after Andriy Yarmolenko had sent smart cross from the right.

The Ukraine captain lit up the stadium six minutes later as he met Yevhen Konoplankya's corner at the near post and beat Isaksson again to double his and the home side's tally, causing pandemonium in Kiev.

Sweden pushed forward in search of an equaliser and substitute Johan Elmander had a glorious opportunity to earn them a point in the final minute. Ibrahimovic's pass sent Elmander through but the former Bolton Wanderers striker blasted over from inside the area.

Ukraine held on for a priceless win and will face France in Donetsk on Friday as the group leaders, while Sweden face England.

Ukraine