Ukraine arrived at the Euro with determination, strong with its quality squad and its desire to prove to the world that despite the war, the country knows how to fight against the biggest. But an early slap against Romania (3-0) had calmed the enthusiasm of the “Zbirna” before a stunning victory against Slovakia gave hope to the Ukrainians.
Last at the start of their last group match against Belgium this Wednesday, Oleksandr Zinchenko’s teammates failed to beat the Red Devils while at the same time, the Slovaks and Romanians failed to separate (1-1). Two results that did not change the order of the group with Romania in the lead, ahead of Belgium – who will face the Blues -, Slovakia and Ukraine.
Very involved in football, the Ukrainian president sent a message to his players after their elimination, in a warlike tone, where the parallel with the conflict against Russia is obvious. “A great nation is one that remains united and supports each other at all times, whether in defeat or in victory. Today we thank the Ukrainian football team. Despite this disappointing result, they fought for our country. Our great victories are before us, the victories of Ukraine. In the meantime, let’s take this blow and stand up stronger for the future! Glory to Ukraine! »
A strong nation is one that stays united and supports each other at all times, both in defeat and in victory.
Today, we thank Ukraine’s National Football Team. Despite the unfortunate result, they fought for our country.
Our great victories are ahead—the victories of Ukraine.… pic.twitter.com/eDglK6OVJY
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Volodymyr Zelensky (@ZelenskyyUa) June 26, 2024
While the war is still going on in the country, Ukrainian players and supporters have multiplied symbols to remind the world that Ukraine lives under bombs. During the first match, the starting players entered the field with a Ukrainian flag on their shoulders and a bombed Kharkiv stadium stand was exposed near the Allianz Arena. For the match against Belgium, Ukrainian supporters displayed a banner in tribute to Ukrainian football fans who died during the war.
