Thousands of ecstatic Ukrainians yelled, sobbed, danced and jumped for joy into the early hours of Tuesday in Kiev after the co-hosts beat 2-1 Sweden in their opening match.
Many joyously waved the blue and yellow national flag while others leapt into the air, almost mindless of the open beer bottles they were holding.
In nearby streets car horns sounded incessantly, with more flags flying from open windows.
Even the numerous police officers deployed in the fanzone couldn't hide their happiness at the result, which throws wide open one of the toughest groups in the competition which Ukraine is co-hosting with Poland.
Ukraine's politicians were swift to share in the uplifted national mood.
President Viktor Yanukovych, who atended the match in Kiev, congratulated the national side on their "brilliant victory," local media reported.
Source: AFP
