The meaning of Ukraine qualifying for the European Cup

Ukraine's qualification for the European Cup finals was greeted with joy. War could not stop the struggle of the Ukrainian squad.

AFP/SERGEI GAPON

Ukrainian striker, Artem Dovbyk, and Ukrainian midfielder, Oleksandr Zinchenko, celebrate during the European Cup qualifying play-off final match between Ukraine and Iceland at Wroclaw Stadium, Poland, Wednesday (27/3/2024). Ukraine won 2-1 and qualified for the 2024 European Cup finals.

KYIV, THURSDAY — Ukraine's dramatic passage to the European Cup 2024 has a deeper meaning. First, Ukraine's escape is a consolation for a country devastated by the prolonged conflict with Russia. Second, Ukraine's escape is an inspiration for the country's young generation.

Ukraine secured a place in the 2024 European Cup finals after beating Iceland, 2-1, in the Group B play-off match, Wednesday (27/3/2024) early morning WIB, at the Wroclaw Stadium, Poland . Ukraine will join Group E with Belgium, Slovakia and Romania, who have already qualified.

Despite having to compete outside of their country as a "refugee" team, the Ukrainian squad remains despondent. Ukraine, who appeared more dominant than Eslandia, fell behind 0-1 after Albert Gudmundsson scored the opening goal in the 30th minute. Ukraine responded with two goals from Viktor Tsygankov and Mykhailo Mudryk, scored in the 54th and 84th minutes, respectively.

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The victory of Ukraine over Eslandia was welcomed by the thunderous cheering of the blue-yellow team's supporters at Wroclaw Stadium. Not satisfied with just being inside the stadium, the supporters continued their celebrations on the streets of Wroclaw city. The Ukrainian team has repeatedly played matches abroad because it is impossible to hold matches domestically. They have moved around from Slovakia, Czech Republic, Germany, to Poland.

Before and after the match, we emphasized that these victories were dedicated to the country, the people and the fighters who defended our independence.

AP/CZAREK SOKOLOWSKI

Ukrainian striker, Mykhailo Mudryk, celebrates after the European Cup qualifying play-off final match between Ukraine and Iceland at Wroclaw Stadium, Poland, Wednesday (27/3/2024). Ukraine won 2-1 and qualified for the 2024 European Cup finals.

Ukraine's victory over Iceland after falling behind seems to be a characteristic of the Ukrainian national team. In the play-off semifinal match against Bosnia Herzegovina, Friday (22/3/2024), Ukraine conceded one goal first before turning things around to win 2-1. The two goals were created at critical times, namely in the 85th and 88th minutes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky immediately congratulated the Ukrainian national team on their success in reaching the European Cup. Zelensky said that whenever the Ukrainian people face various difficulties, but they do not give up, then the Ukrainian nation will achieve victory.

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”Thank you kids! Thank you team!," said Zelensky via message on the Telegram application.

Ukraine coach Serhiy Rebrov was quoted by ESPN as saying that the victory is very important for all the Ukrainian people and the soldiers on the battlefield.

AFP/SERGEI GAPON

Ukrainian players celebrate after the second goal in the European Cup qualifying play-off final between Ukraine and Iceland at Wroclaw Stadium, Poland, Wednesday (27/3/2024). Ukraine won 2-1 and qualified for the 2024 European Cup finals.

”I am very happy with the performance of the players because the two games (play-offs) were very difficult and nerve-wracking. "Before and after the match, we emphasized that these victories were dedicated to the country, the people and the fighters who defended our independence," he continued.

The captain of the Ukrainian national team, Oleksandr Zinchenko, stated that he is very proud to be born in Ukraine. He feels he is fighting alongside Ukrainian soldiers who are facing Russia.

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"We will continue to talk about this (victory), shouting it out every day. This is the only way for us to achieve victory. This is the most emotional match," said Zinchenko to the BBC.

Could Ukraine repeat their achievement in the 2020 European Cup? In the European Cup, which was postponed for a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Ukraine managed to reach the quarter-finals. They were knocked out in the quarter-finals after being silenced by England, 0-4.

AFP/SERGEI GAPON

Ukrainian supporters celebrate their team's success after the European Cup qualifying play-off final match between Ukraine and Iceland at Wroclaw Stadium, Poland, Wednesday (27/3/2024). Ukraine won 2-1 and qualified for the 2024 European Cup finals.

For Eslandia, the defeat means a failure to repeat their success in reaching the final round of the 2016 European Cup. Nevertheless, being defeated by a war-torn country like Ukraine still leaves a feeling of pride.

”It feels embarrassing if you lose to another team. But, losing to Ukraine...it's OK," said Iceland coach Age Hareide, quoted from The Guardian.

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Inspiration for the younger generation

For the younger generation of Ukrainians, this victory is clearly an inspiration. Young players at the Sporting Kyiv football academy in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, are very proud of their older brothers' success in reaching the 2024 European Cup.

"This shows that war cannot stop us from pursuing sporting achievements, we have qualified for the European Cup and we will compete there," said Hlib Kochetov, a 12-year-old football player.

AFP/SERGEI GAPON

Ukrainian players and supporters celebrate after the European Cup qualifying play-off final match between Ukraine and Iceland at Wroclaw Stadium, Poland, Wednesday (27/3/2024). Ukraine won 2-1 and qualified for the 2024 European Cup finals.

According to Artem Mykhailenko (15), who is also a young player at Sporting Kyiv, Ukraine's appearance in the 2024 European Cup is a proud moment for the entire nation. "We must show that we are valuable, show who we are, show that we are the Ukrainian nation, that Ukraine is a great nation, united, and respected as a strong country," he added.

Sports activities for children and teenagers in Kyiv continue despite Russian missile and drone attacks that have not stopped raining down on the city. Sports activities and other time-filling activities need to be carried out so that Ukrainian children avoid the trauma of war.

Sporting Kyiv coach Anatolli Kartasov, aged 36, stated that Ukraine's success in securing a place in the European Cup has revived the dreams of Ukrainian children. They dream of one day becoming professional football players. According to Kartasov, the European Cup is an important event to maintain the sustainability of those dreams. (AP)