Ukraine’s national-team party, consisting of over 40 members, gathered at the centre circle of Wroclaw’s Tarczynski Arena.
Players, coaches, and backroom staff fixed their eyes on the 30,000 spectators donning blue and yellow colors as they performed their version of the Viking thunderclap. Iceland, who popularized this celebration during the 2016 European Championship, could only listen in dismay after losing the Euro 2024 play-off final to a late goal from Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk.
Embraces between strangers, families posing for pictures with Ukraine flags, and video calls possibly connecting to war-torn Ukraine were all part of the emotional scenes around 600 miles away in south-west Poland.
Ukraine had achieved it.
Ukraine’s players address the crowd (Sergei Gapon/AFP via Getty Images)
Despite enduring two years of Russian invasion and bombing, a weakened domestic league, and diluted home advantage, Serhiy Rebrov’s team qualified for the Euros after winning two tense play-off matches. This victory was crucial for a country facing challenging times, making it more than just a footballing triumph.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, the captain, led his team in celebrating a second comeback victory in five days, defeating Iceland 2-1 following a similar late success against Bosnia & Herzegovina. The sound of “Z-S-U! Z-S-U! Z-S-U!” echoed through the arena, a reminder of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
This qualification for the Euros was a symbol of unity and resilience for the Ukrainian people, who continue to face the hardships of war. The tournament will provide a platform to showcase the country’s strength and spirit to the world.
English-born drummer Andriy Buniak (bottom) of Ukrainian folk band Cov Kozaks with Andrew Todos (third right) and Myron Huzan (right) (Jordan Campbell/The Athletic)
The Ukraine FA selected Wroclaw as the venue for the play-off final to replicate a home advantage. The city has been a haven for Ukrainians fleeing the conflict, with over 17.2 million crossing the border into Poland.
Wroclaw, known for its Ukrainian population, transformed into a ‘Little Kyiv’ as fans gathered to celebrate the historic qualification for the Euros.
Drummers, dressed in traditional attire, set the tone for joyous celebrations in the city square, each moment of happiness felt as a form of defiance against the backdrop of war.
A sense of unity prevailed, exemplified by a charity match and the support from fans who have been a source of strength for the team and the nation.
“No Football Euro without Ukraine” has been the rallying cry, symbolizing the importance of this victory beyond the football field.
Vasylkov helped then manager Shevchenko in the Ukraine setup (Jordan Campbell/The Athletic)
The majority of Ukrainian fans at the play-off had left Ukraine years ago, but the victory held special significance for those who narrowly avoided life on the front line.
Players like Viktor Tsygankov and Mykhailo Mudryk, representing clubs in Spain and England, along with a diverse fan base, came together to put Ukraine on the map at the upcoming tournament.
“Our people are about never giving up and fighting until the end,” Zinchenko emphasized, highlighting the importance of this moment for the country.
Zinchenko applauds the fans after Ukraine’s win (Andrzej Iwanczuk/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Zinchenko emphasized the significance of the tournament in showcasing Ukraine’s resilience and unity to the world.
With Iceland being dwarfed by Ukraine in population and FIFA ranking, the players faced mental challenges of having family members in a war zone. However, the qualification for the Euros was a moment of hope and happiness for the Ukrainian people.
Footage of Ukrainian soldiers watching the match from the trenches highlighted the strong connection to home felt by the fans in Wrocław.
“The Euros will bring everyone back home some hope and happiness,” Roman Labunski expressed, reflecting on the significance of this victory to the Ukrainian diaspora.
Aron, Natan and Roman Lanunski travelled to Wroclaw from Berlin (Jordan Campbell/The Athletic)
Many fans who attended the game had personal stories of resilience and survival amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“The Euros will be a chance to show the world our identity and strength as a nation,” Vitaliy expressed, underscoring the importance of this tournament for the Ukrainian people.
Vitaliy (left) with his family outside the stadium (Jordan Campbell/The Athletic)
Football has become a symbol of hope and unity for Ukrainians, serving as a reminder of their strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
(Top photo: Sergei Gapon/AFP)
