Ukraine’s qualification for the Euro 2024 soccer finals has brought joy to a country currently facing hardships in its ongoing conflict with Russia. The tournament will offer a temporary escape from the grim realities of war for the people of Ukraine. The team secured their spot in the finals after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Iceland in a playoff final held in neutral Poland. This will mark their fourth consecutive appearance in the continental finals.
They have been drawn into Group E alongside Belgium, Slovakia, and Romania. Their opening match will be against Romania in Munich on June 17th. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing for three years now, with no clear end in sight despite heavy casualties on both sides since the invasion in February 2022.
Team captain Oleksandr Zinchenko expressed his pride in being Ukrainian and praised those who are sacrificing their lives for the nation’s freedom. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the situation and thanked the fans for their unwavering support during these challenging times.
Coach Serhiy Rebrov admitted that it was difficult for the team to focus on football amidst the ongoing conflict. He highlighted the need for Europe’s support in their struggle against Russia and commended the players for their resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Despite being refugees themselves, Ukraine managed to continue their qualifying campaign by hosting ‘home’ matches across Europe. The coach praised the character of both the players and the nation for their perseverance in such challenging circumstances.
It is worth noting the poetic irony that the mission to qualify for the finals was accomplished in Poland, a country that currently hosts the largest number of Ukrainian refugees. The journey to the finals was no easy feat, with Ukraine navigating through a tough qualifying group that included powerhouse teams like Italy and England.
Following their disappointment in missing out on the 2022 World Cup, former striker Rebrov took over as coach and led the team to success. With a strong squad featuring players like Roman Yaremchuk, Artem Dovbyk, Mykhailo Mudryk, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Illya Zabarnyi, and Vitaliy Mykolenko, Ukraine has proven their ability to overcome challenges and emerge victorious.
The team’s resilience and triumph against adversity serve as a unifying message for the country, showcasing their ability to persevere in the face of hardship. Coach Rebrov expressed his gratitude to the players for their dedication and hailed their victory as a valuable gift to the nation during these tumultuous times.
(Reporting by Nick Said; Additional reporting by Olexander Kozhukhar in Kyiv; Editing by Ken Ferris)
