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The Spain – Ukraine classification for the Basketball World Cup 2023 has become a song against the invasion of Russia. One of those who best outlined it was a Artem Pustovyi, who left the emotion after listening to the anthem to score a great game with 12 points and seven rebounds. The former player of FC Barcelonanow in Herbalife Gran Canariacharged against President Vladimir Putin for the invasion of his country after starting the clash with the slogan “No to war” on his cheek.
“We don’t need his fucking help, he’s a fucking nut. I can’t believe this is happening in 2022. He doesn’t have to go to Ukraine. The world shouldn’t be left out. If shit starts spreading in our country, it will.” in others”, declared one of the best players of this selection in the press conference after the clash that Spain won by 88-74. The Ukrainians played the match despite the situation and showed strength battling against the reigning world champions.
Pustovyi recounted the feelings in that locker room. “It was a very difficult game for us and for all of Ukraine. It is very difficult to play in this situation because of what is happening at home. We have tried to do our best, but we were all thinking about our families. These are crazy days for us.” , expressed in front of the Spanish press. They were wrapped up during the match played at the Vista Alegre Palace from Córdoba by a large number of Ukrainians living in Spain.
Artem Pustovyi, moved after the anthem of his country.
Before the match, the Ukrainian team did not want to play. “We are nervous and stressed. Our mentality is not the best,” explained the delegate of the selection, Andriy Lebedev. A few words similar to those of the player Oleksandr Lypovyy: “We don’t want to play, but it is not possible to postpone the match.” The Ukrainians stood up despite being devastated. There were giants over two meters with tears in their eyes as their anthem played.
lesson of integrity
The Spain-Ukraine qualifier for the 2023 World Cup will always be marked as that duel that should not have been played. The Spanish Basketball Federation He wanted to honor the victims who are beginning to leave the conflict with a minute of silence that was broken by goosebumps applause from the Cordoba fans. The farewell was even more overwhelming. In the stands there were banners saying “No to War” and “Spain with Ukraine.”
The affection of the Spanish players was evident, from the visitor’s exit to the field. At the end of the meeting came the most exciting epilogue. An ovation for the memory sank the hearts of those present. It lasted for a long minute of recognition with the players of Spain paying tribute to their teammates. It was a lesson in coexistence in the midst of barbarism. The conflict is already underway, but from the world of basketball the intention to stop it has been made clear.
[Más información: Zinchenko, el capitán de Ucrania que desea “la más dolorosa de las muertes” a Vladímir Putin]
