KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – The people of Ukraine expressed their pride and gratitude to the men’s national soccer team for qualifying for the European Championship. This was rare good news and a welcome distraction from the war with Russia.
Celebrations after Ukraine’s 2-1 win over Iceland were muted as Russian missiles rained down on the country, but the team’s success will be felt by Ukrainians when the tournament opens in Germany this summer. It was invigorating.
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President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Tuesday night’s decisive playoff victory touched national emotions and proved that “when Ukrainians do not give up and keep fighting in the face of difficulties, Ukrainians will always win.” He said he did.
Children warm up during a soccer training session on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Kiev, Ukraine. Ukraine, Georgia and Poland will qualify for the 2024 European Championship after winning Tuesday’s qualifying play-offs in some emotional late drama. (AP Photo/Vadim Gilda)
Ukraine came back from a goal down to defeat Iceland in Poland, with Mykhailo Mudryk scoring the winning goal. Due to the war, the team had to play their qualifying matches outside Ukraine.
On Wednesday, youth players at the Sporting Kyiv Football Academy in the Ukrainian capital said they were inspired.
12-year-old Hrib Kochetov said: “The war does not prevent us from continuing our sport and it shows that we can qualify and participate in the European Championships.”
15-year-old Artem Mikhailenko says seeing Ukraine qualify for Euro 2024 will be a proud moment for the entire country.
“We need to show our true values, who we are, and that we are Ukraine, that Ukraine is a great, united and strong country in many ways.” Stated.
In the midst of Russian missile and drone attacks, trying to live as normal a life as possible has become a way for Ukrainians to show their defiance.
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Sporting Kyiv coach Anatoly Kartashov said keeping young people actively involved in sports and other activities is also a way to keep their minds away from the war, which deeply traumatized families across the country. he said.
“They have dreams and set goals for themselves. Many of them want to become professional football players, so this is a very positive thing,” said Kartashov, 36. .
Ukraine will face Belgium, Slovakia and Romania in the group stage of Euro 2024. First up is Romania, which will be held in Munich on June 17th.
