“If the Ukrainians have a hard time, but they don’t give up and keep fighting, then the Ukrainians are guaranteed to win,” the president continued. Russia’s war of aggression against its neighboring country is now in its third year. Despite high losses on both sides, there are no signs of a quick end following Russia’s invasion in February 2022. The European Championships will at least provide a distraction from harsh reality for a few weeks.
There are currently no home games for Ukrainian teams at international games; clubs and national teams are switching to stadiums in other countries. On Tuesday, Ukraine played in Wroclaw, Poland, which has the largest concentration of Ukrainian refugees of any country.
APA/AFP/Sergei Gapon Players and fans celebrated together after the final whistle
Albert Gudmundsson (30th) initially gave the Icelanders the lead, but then Wiktor Zygankow (54th) and Mychajlo Mudryk (84th) turned the game around. At the European Championships, the team will play in Group E against Belgium, Romania and Slovakia – and has a reasonably good chance of reaching the knockout phase.
“A little piece of happiness”
“I am very proud to be a Ukrainian, to be of the same blood as those who are now giving their lives for our freedom,” said team captain Olexandr Zinchenko after the game. It was one of the “most emotional games” for the national team. “It’s an incredible feeling. I am very happy because it is another dream that has come true.” The team “gave a little piece of happiness” to the people defending the country at the front, emphasized association president Andriy Shevchenko. “I thank you very much for that. You’re gorgeous guys.”
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UEFA Euro 2024 qualification
Coach Serhij Rebrow had already explained in the run-up to the Iceland game that it was difficult for his team to concentrate on football. “The rockets fly every day. Our task is to show that we are all alive and fighting against the Russians and that we need Europe’s support,” said the former attacker. He added that his players “saw the news about the shelling of Odessa and Kiev and it made them even angrier and more greedy to show our potential on the football field.”
Georgia is there for the first time
While Ukraine has established itself as a regular guest at the European Championship finals, Georgia will make its debut. The former Soviet republic also found itself embroiled in a military conflict with Russia a good 15 years ago, which still left unanswered questions.
The Georgians qualified with a 4-2 penalty shootout win against Greece in Tbilisi. The euphoric fans had already shown a banner before the game with the inscription “Georgia is making history” – and they were right. “Thanks to the Georgian fans,” said Napoli attacker Khwitscha Kvarazchelia. “I have played in many stadiums, but I have never experienced such support anywhere. They were the most important factor.”
And he added: “Some didn’t believe in us, but now they will. We are happy. I have never had such a feeling in my life.” Prime Minister Iraqi Kobachidze awarded the players with an order of honor. “These guys are heroes,” he said. Team boss Willy Sagnol’s team will face Portugal, Turkey and the Czech Republic in Group F in Germany.
2024-03-27 11:15:07
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