Thousands of fans flocked to the public training of the Ukrainian national football team on Thursday. The players enjoyed it – but their thoughts were also back home.
When Taras Stepanenko is asked about the atmosphere at the public training in Wiesbaden, the eyes of the Ukrainian national football player begin to light up. “It is an honor for us to be here,” says the 34-year-old from Shakhtar Donetsk. His euphoria and that of the Ukrainian fans ahead of the opening match of the European Football Championship in Germany is undiminished despite the Russian war of aggression.
He had heard the day before that many people would come to the rather tranquil Brita Arena in Wiesbaden, said Stepanenko – and they came. Thousands of Ukrainian spectators cheered on their national team. Loud chants of “Ukraine” resounded through the stadium again and again. The fans sang along to the national anthem passionately and emotionally.
Ukraine’s participation in the European Championship finals: “An honour for us”
In the midst of the war that has been going on for around 28 months, the European Championship finals are a ray of hope for the country – for the fans, but also for the players. On Monday against Romania (3 p.m.), Stepanenko, superstar Mychajlo Mudryk from Chelsea FC and co. will play their first European Championship match. The team has a great responsibility, says national player Ruslan Malinowskyj, who plays for Genoa CFC in Italy.
After the first group match against Romania, the team will play Slovakia (June 21, 3 p.m.) and Belgium (June 26, 6 p.m.) in the preliminary round. Normally, a second place would be possible – it would also guarantee a place in the knockout round.
But what is normal for Ukraine in these times? Just focusing fully on the tournament is not easy for the players. “It’s really difficult because you read the news every day and know what’s happening in our country and know that Russia is firing missiles at our country every day,” said Stepanenko. The situation at home is an “additional motivation” for the players, said Olexander Zinchenko of Arsenal FC, who is one of the stars in the team alongside Mudryk.
Prime Minister Rhein: Team can work wonders
The team is receiving support not only from home, but also from the Prime Minister of Hesse, Boris Rhein (CDU). Rhein says he is keeping his fingers crossed for coach Sergej Rebrow’s team as well as for the German selection. “We’re keeping our fingers crossed for that.”
The Ukrainian national football team could perform a miracle at the European Championships, said Rhein before the start of public training. “Just as the men and women in Ukraine are currently performing a miracle for freedom.”
The issue of security in particular played a major role before the Ukrainians arrived at their European Championship quarters in Taunusstein, Hesse, on Wednesday. Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser (SPD) had announced that the Ukrainian national team would be given special protection in view of the situation. The security measures between the federal government, the states and the participating nations were closely coordinated.
So far, at least, everything has been peaceful – even at the public training in Wiesbaden. At the end, only a few fans ran onto the pitch to take selfies with their heroes Mudryk, Zinchenko and co.
Source: Stern
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