Follow usUkraine face England for Euro 2024 qualification group C game on Sunday in their quest to reach a major international tournament spot, having missed out on the World Cup 2022 in the play-off final against Wales.
But the game has a much deeper meaning than just the football; it gives the blue and yellow nation a rare chance to distance itself from the horrible events of the war it has gone through the last year.
“Football is still the number one sport in Ukraine and it’s helping people cope with what they’re going through,” former Ukraine striker and manager Andriy Shevchenko said.
“The league was kept alive, a few teams made it in Europe, that helped a lot.”
More than 1,000 tickets will be given to Ukrainians and the British families respectively who have welcomed them to watch the game at Wembley, with around 4,200 Ukraine fans having bought standard tickets in what promises to be a sell-out crowd of around 85,000 spectators.
“England is strong, but our team is ready to show what it’s made of. It’s surely going to be a special day. There’s no good or bad moment to face England, as they are very strong no matter what. But our players don’t need extra motivation. They know why they’ll be on the pitch.” Shevchenko added.
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