(ANSA) – ROME, APRIL 30 – While the war continues to devastate the country, the Ukrainian national football team is trying to restart and dreams of the World Cup in Qatar. In fact, on Monday in Slovenia begins the meeting of the players of Oleksandr Petrakov’s coach, the one who a month ago said “I hate the Russians, and if they come to Kiev, I’ll take a weapon and defend my city. I’m 64 but I think I could kill two or three enemies “.
Having skipped the World Cup play-offs in March for obvious reasons, Ukraine will play their chances of going to Qatar by playing against Scotland on 1 June in Glasgow and, if they win, Wales in Cardiff four days later. It is a dream, but achievable if the yellow-blue selection finds the verve that made it close in second place, behind France, in its round of the world qualifying rounds, which ended without defeat even if with only two wins and six draws.
Having said that the ‘stars’ Zinchenko (Manchester City), Yarmolenko (West Ham) and Malinovskyi (Atalanta) will continue to play in their respective clubs for now and will only join the national team afterwards, for now Petrakov will work with the players of the league teams club that, due to the war, was permanently suspended without awarding the title, with Shakhtar and Dynamo Kiev playing beneficial matches around Europe.
Ukraine’s first test, according to what was announced today, will be on 11 May against Borussia Moenchengladbach at the German club’s stadium, with proceeds donated to the victims of the conflict and free entry for all Ukrainian refugees.
For this reason, again today, the Ukrainian football federation issued a note to “sincerely thank” Borussia for the collaboration received. While waiting for the dates and venues of the next friendlies to be announced, football Ukraine will continue to dream of peace and the World Cup. (HANDLE).
Source: Ansa
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