Ukraine team strives to show national spirit at Euro 2024

Coach Serhiy Rebrov (center) and the Ukrainian team during a training session in Munich before the match against Romania on June 16 - Photo: AFP

Rebrov, a former Dynamo Kiev and Tottenham striker, has guided Ukraine to a fourth successive European Championship despite his country's war with Russia. Rebrov, 50, will take over as head coach of the national team in June 2023.

"I think it is very good and very important for Ukraine to participate in this tournament. Ukraine wants to become a European country. I think it is very important to participate in the European Championship," AFP news agency quoted Mr. Rebrov on June 16.

Mr Rebrov also expressed his gratitude to Germany - the host of Euro 2024 - for its aid to Ukraine. More than 1 million Ukrainians have fled to Germany since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. "We are very grateful to the German fans for supporting Ukraine. They supported our fight and supported Ukraine on the football field. When we come to Germany, it feels like playing at home," he said.

"We want to remind everyone that the war is still going on. We still need support to continue fighting for our freedom," coach Rebrov added.

Mr Rebrov said he had received countless messages from people back home, including those fighting on the front lines, ahead of the opening match against Romania in Munich on June 17 (local time). Ukraine, in Group E, will play Slovakia and Belgium after the Romania match.

"We are here to show the spirit of Ukraine. This tournament is really about the spirit of our country. We have to live with what happened in our country. That gives extra motivation to the Ukrainian players," said Mr. Rebrov.

Similarly, Ukraine defender Illia Zabarnyi also said it was an honour to represent her country at the Euros.

"For us it was a very emotional moment, seeing the Ukrainian flag in the stadium. When I saw the news, what was happening at home and understood how difficult it was to be there. And I want to thank everyone who came to support us," defender Illia Zabarnyi shared.

Last weekend, the 27 member states of the European Union "agreed in principle" to start accession negotiations with Ukraine on June 25.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tuyen-ukraine-no-luc-the-hien-tinh-than-quoc-gia-tai-euro-2024-20240617164322919.htm