An entire nation is cheering: Ukrainian striker Mychajlo Mudryk (right) falls to his knees in relief after scoring the winning goal against Iceland. Image: AP
In the all-important game, the Ukrainian national football team managed to qualify for the European Championships in Germany. The reactions afterwards show what political and social consequences this has.
The extent of Mychajlo Mudryk’s relief was clearly noticeable. The 23-year-old star of the Ukrainian national football team exhaled deeply after the 2-1 win against Iceland and looked up with a grateful look, as if he was carrying a heavy burden on his shoulders that had just become a little lighter. In this moment of triumph, the cheers of the Ukrainian fans, who made up a large part of the 40,000 spectators at the Tarczyński Arena in the Polish city of Wroclaw, resounded. Ukraine will take part in the European Football Championships in Germany.
The starting position seemed anything but promising and somehow familiar: Once again, like a few days before against Bosnia-Hercegovina, Ukraine faced an uncomfortable and difficult to predict opponent in Iceland. Once again, coach Serhij Rebrow’s team had to chase an early deficit in the final qualifying game – and once again the Ukrainians showed their stamina when they turned the game in their favor in the second half.
