Georgia also involved

Cheers after European Championship qualifiers: “Proud to be Ukrainian”

Ukraine are celebrating their qualification for the European Championship in Germany.

(Bild: APA/AFP/Sergei GAPON)

Ukraine's qualification for the 2024 European Football Championship has brightened the mood in a country badly shaken by the war with Russia. In the play-off final on Tuesday in Poland, the team defeated Iceland 2:1 to secure their fourth consecutive European Championship appearance. Team captain Oleksandr Sinchenko emphasized how proud he was to be Ukrainian. Georgia also made it to the EURO.

"Thank you, boys! Thank you, team!" wrote President Volodymyr Zelenskyi on Telegram. "If the Ukrainians have a hard time, but they don't give up and keep fighting, then the Ukrainians are guaranteed to win."

Russia's war of aggression against neighboring Ukraine is now in its third year, and despite high casualties on both sides, there are no signs of a quick end after Russia's invasion in February 2022. The soccer festival in Germany this summer will at least provide a distraction from the harsh reality for a few weeks.

Moments of happiness in the dreary everyday life of war
There are currently no home games for Ukrainian teams in international matches, with clubs and the national team switching to stadiums in other countries. On Tuesday, Ukraine played in Wroclaw, Poland, which has the largest concentration of Ukrainian refugees of any country. Albert Gudmundsson (30) initially put the Icelanders ahead, but then Viktor Tsygankov (54) and superstar Mychajlo Mudryk (84) turned the game around. The team will play against Belgium, Romania and Slovakia in Group E at the European Championship - and has a reasonably good chance of reaching the knockout phase.

I am very proud to be Ukrainian, to be of the same blood as those who are now giving their lives for our freedom

Oleksandr Sintschenko

"I am very proud to be Ukrainian, to be of the same blood as those who are now giving their lives for our freedom," said team captain Oleksandr Sinchenko after the victory. It was one of the national team's "most emotional games". "It's an incredible feeling. I'm very happy because it's another dream come true." The team had "given a little piece of happiness" to the people defending the country on the front line, emphasized association president and former superstar Andriy Shevchenko. "I thank you very much for that. You are magnificent guys."

Mychajlo Mudryk

(Bild: ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Coach Serhiy Rebrov had already said in the run-up to the Iceland match that it was difficult for his team to concentrate on soccer. "The rockets are flying every day. Our task is to show that we are all alive and fighting against the Russians and that we need the support of Europe," said the former striker. He added that his players "have seen the news about the shelling of Odessa and Kiev (and have) become even angrier and greedier to show our potential on the soccer pitch".

Georgia taking part for the first time
While Ukraine has more or less established itself as a regular guest at European Championship finals, a country that shares a similar political fate as a former Soviet republic will be making its debut appearance in June. Georgia also found itself embroiled in a military conflict with Russia a good 15 years ago, which has left unanswered questions.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is the Georgian superstar.

(Bild: ASSOCIATED PRESS)

In sporting terms, Georgia managed to qualify in Tbilisi by beating Greece 4:2 on penalties. The euphoric fans had already displayed a banner with the slogan "Georgia is making history" before the game - and they were proved right. "Thank you to the Georgian fans," said Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. "I've played in many stadiums, but I've never experienced such support anywhere. They were the most important factor."

The SSC Napoli striker added: "Some didn't believe in us, but now they will. We are happy. I've never had a feeling like this in my life." Head of government Irakli Kobakhidze presented the players with a medal of honor. "These guys are heroes," he said. Team boss Willy Sagnol's squad will face Portugal, Turkey and the Czech Republic in Group F in Germany.