Euro 2012: 10 Reasons Andriy Shevchenko Is a God in Ukraine

Andriy Shevchenko
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Andriy Shevchenko made Euro 2012 history when his two goals were instrumental in Ukraine defeating Sweden. It was the story of a come-from-behind victory that most sports stories are made of.

Shevchenko and the Ukraine defied the odds which were in favor of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Sweden. The people in the Ukraine are celebrating this all-important victory in their own country.

The adulation of Shevchenko is the equivalent of a god on the earth. It is with this in mind that a decision was made to pay tribute to Andriy Shevchenko and the reasons (in all spheres) why he is considered a god on Earth.

The athlete is not only a great person because of his or her expertise in sports. An athlete also has to be a great person within him or herself.

An invitation is extended to the BR readers to enjoy the 10 reasons why the Ukraine are looking at Shevchenko as a god.

10. Positive Thinking

Andriy Shevchenko
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At a time when footballers in their 30s are feeling the effects of their body, Andriy Shevchenko is either ageless or defies age. According to an article by Agence France-Presse with a h/t to the Vancouver Sun, Shevchenko declared that he "feels 20 instead of 30."

While positive thinking (including age) is not considered a cure, it helps a long way. It appears that Shevchenko with this type of energy defied the predictions and scored the winning goals for the Ukraine.

It is also a surprise that he has this type of energy in spite of the injuries sustained during his career.

9. Grateful

Andriy Shevchenko
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At a time when there are sports athletes who talk about themselves and trash their former bosses, Andriy Shevchenko is a grateful person.

Shevchenko thanked AC Milan for a great reception received when he returned from Chelsea around four years ago. He also thanked the fans of the Ukrainian Euro 2012 squad for their support.

8. Family Person

Andriy Shevchenko and Wife (Courtesy of Alonsoswife)

While the media concentrates on the sports personalities who attract attention with antics, Shevchenko is happily married to Kirsten Pazik since the year 2004.

Ms. Pazik is loyal to her husband to the point that she called AC Milan in the year 2007 to have her husband return to the club. The story was published by The Daily Mail.

Shevchenko (on the other hand) is loyal to his wife and child according to a webpage dedicated to the Ukraine.

7. Humanitarian

Andriy Shevchenko
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Andriy Shevchenko is also a humanitarian who heads a foundation dedicated to helping handicapped children. His foundation (according to a webpage dedicated to the Ukraine) also helps children who are in need.

6. Ballon D'Or

Ballon D'Or Trophy
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Andriy Shevchenko has been a forward for Chelsea and AC Milan. He is currently a forward for Dynamo Kiev and the Ukrainian National Football team. He was the recipient of the 2004 Ballon D'Or award according to Sports Pundit.

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5. AC Milan

Andriy Shevchenko
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During his period with AC Milan (as reported by Sports Pundit), Shevchenko won the Scudetto during his debut season in 1999-2000 by scoring 24 goals within 32 matches.

This statistic contributed to Shevchenko being the first non-Italian player to win the Scudetto during his debut. He was also instrumental in helping AC Milan win the 2002-2003 UEFA Champions League trophy.

During his career with AC Milan from 1999 to 2006, he scored 127 goals within 208 matches of the Serie A.

4. Dynamo Kiev

Andriy Shevchenko at Dynamo Kiev
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When Shevchenko started with Dynamo Kiev in 1994, he scored 60 goals within 117 appearances. When he left the club in 1999, Dynamo Kiev reached the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League.

Shevchenko is now back with Dynamo Kiev with great results. According to ESPN Soccernet, he scored three goals within eight matches during the 2010-2011 season.

Shevchenko also scored one goal within six matches during the 2011-2012 season.

3. Ukraine Captain

Andriy Shevchenko As Ukraine Captain during the 2006 FIFA World Cup
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According to Sports Pundit, Shevchenko was captain of the Ukrainian National Team during the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He also scored 37 goals within 80 matches since he started playing for his country

2. Neutralizing Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Group D Match

Zlatan Ibrahimovic
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic looked impressive when he scored the first goal in 52 minutes. Shevchenko then surprised him and Sweden with two goals.

1. Thrill of Victory

Andriy Shevchenko
Handout/Getty Images

According to SI, Andriy Shevchenko was able to give the Ukraine some good news with his two goals. He scored the first one within 55 minutes followed by another in 62 minutes.

Shevchenko with his goal and victory galvanized a Ukraine that was beset with problems. In the end, the Ukraine celebrated the greatest news it received in its recent history.

Conclusion

Andriy Shevchenko
Handout/Getty Images

Andriy Shevchenko will forever be remembered as a god in Ukraine. It would even be great to compare him and the Ukraine to David.

The reason is that it is not every day that a team such as the Ukraine can defeat a team such as Sweden and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

I would like to thank the BR readers for their time and effort in reading (as well as viewing) this slideshow. Until the next time. Best wishes to all of you.