Two high-quality second-half goals from Andriy Shevchenko gave hosts Ukraine a triumphant start to Euro 2012 as they claimed a 2-1 victory over Sweden in Kiev.

Sweden opened the scoring through Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the 53rd minute, but their lead was short-lived as Shevchenko sprang into action.

The Dynamo Kiev striker found the back of the net twice in seven minutes with headers to place the tournament debutants at the summit of Group D.

In the 23rd minute Sweden were under attack when Andriy Yarmolenko sent Shevchenko racing in on goal.

Even though he was shooting from a tight angle, Shevchenko should have done better with the chance but failed to connect cleanly with a shot that bobbled across the face of goal.

Sweden forced a save from keeper Andriy Pyatov following Markus Rosenberg's turn and shot and a mazy run from Ibrahimovic ended when he was dispossessed by Oleg Gusev.

Keeper Andreas Isaksson kept out Andriy Yarmolenko as Ukraine went on the offensive, but moments later Sweden should have taken the lead as Sebastian Larsson teed up Ibrahimovic with a wonderful cross but the unmarked AC Milan striker headed a glorious opportunity against the right post.

Ibrahimovic would not be denied in the 53rd minute, however, when he became the beneficiary of some poor defending from the hosts. Kim Kallstrom nudged another fine cross from Larsson into the path of Ibrahimovic and the towering marksman made no mistake with the simple tap-in.

But three minutes later Ukraine were level, a fine diving header bringing Shevchenko his 47th international goal after Yarmolenko had made the initial inroads. And in the 62nd minute Ukraine took the lead, with Shevchenko on target once more.

Gusev whipped in a corner to the near post that was met by the veteran former Chelsea striker, who took advantage of a static Ibrahimovic to nod home.

Pyatov looked far from convincing as he floundered to keep out a volley and follow-up header from Ibrahimovic.

Sweden substitute Johan Elmander should have rescued a late point but he blazed a one-on-one with the keeper over the crossbar and moments later defender Olof Mellberg, thrown forward in desperation, followed suit.