In 1958, he switched to SKA Rostov-on-Don and was invited to join the Soviet national team.

In the 1960 European Championship, the only major Championship ever won by the Soviet Union, Ponedelnik headed home the winning goal in extra time in the final game against Yugoslavia.

Ponedelnik retired in 1966 after gaining weight and undergoing surgery for appendicitis.

He received numerous awards for his contribution to Soviet and Russian sport.

In Rostov-on-Don at the stadium, Olimp-2 28 August 2015 a monument depicting a young Ponedelnik with the cup in his hands.