Ukraine at the European Championships: Ukrainian footballers send clear messages despite defeat

The footballers of the Ukrainian national team had a lot planned for their first tournament participation since the start of the Russian war of aggression on February 24, 2022. There was even talk of probably the best national team since independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. But in their European Championship opening game on Monday in Munich, the Ukrainians suffered a 3-0 defeat in Group E against outsiders Romania.

Many people in Ukraine also probably watched the game. Because of the war, especially in the east of the country, this is only possible temporarily and under the constant threat of attacks by the Russian army. Like in the city of Poltava, around 140 kilometers west of Kharkiv, where there were several injuries and massive power outages following Russian rocket attacks on Monday. Even in the positions and trenches, Ukrainian soldiers are supposed to follow the international matches of the Ukrainian selection. At least when they are not required in the battles, are wounded or die.

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Also because football offers people at least a short distraction from the war, the Ukrainian national team knows the importance of their European Championship appearances. His boys played “especially for the people who continue to have to defend our country from the enemy every day,” national coach Serhij Rebrow announced. His team’s participation in the European Championship should also be understood as a clear political signal: “Ukraine wants to be a part of Europe.” Full-back Oleksandr Zinchenko added that we can “give our fans and our military, who defend our country, a lot of joy.”

At least in terms of sport, the Ukrainians were unable to please their compatriots at home on Monday. This was largely due to goalkeeper Andrij Lunin’s unsuccessful attempt to free himself into the feet of Romanian Dennis Man. The offensive player passed the ball to Nicolae Stanciu, who scored with a great right-footed shot into the corner to give Romania the lead (29′). At the start of the second half, Razvan Marin scored from distance after a counterattack to make it 2-0 (53′). This time Lunin let the ball slip under his hands. Shortly afterwards, Denis Dragus increased the score to 3-0 from a few meters (57th).

The defeat did not change Ukraine’s overarching message. The Ukrainian Football Association President Andriy Shevchenko also reminded us of this a few hours before kick-off. “There are eleven players on the pitch today, but at home millions are fighting for victory,” said the former national coach and striker, who played for Dynamo Kiev, AC Milan and Chelsea FC, at a rally in Munich.

The war in Ukraine also became tangible for passers-by because 21 seats from the destroyed stadium in Kharkiv were set up on the central Wittelsbacherplatz in downtown Munich. Almost exactly twelve years ago to the day, the German national team played its European Championship 2012 group game against the Netherlands in the arena in eastern Ukraine. More than two years ago the stadium was destroyed by Russian attacks. “Even if football pitches or stands cannot withstand the Russian shells, we will never stop fighting for our country and telling the world about this ruthless war,” said Shevchenko. “We’re also here to show that we’re still alive.”

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