Ukraine’s national soccer team has qualified for the 2024 European Championships after a dramatic comeback victory over Iceland on Tuesday night. This rare moment of celebration comes as Ukraine continues to suffer from Russia’s ongoing invasion, now in its third year. Trailing 1-0 late in the game, a winning goal by Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk sealed the 2-1 result for Ukraine. The match took place at a neutral venue in Poland due to the war, but tens of thousands of Ukrainian fans packed the stadium and erupted in jubilation at the final whistle. Players and coaches congratulated each other on the field while the sea of blue-and-yellow clad supporters cheered joyously, waving flags and scarves.
The team gathered in a circle at midfield to lead fans in the ‘Viking Thunder Clap’ cheer made famous by Iceland. Poland has taken in around 1 million Ukrainian refugees since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022. Ukraine placed third in their qualifying group behind England and Italy but had advanced via an earlier playoff win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Iceland had gone ahead with an impressive solo goal from Albert Gudmundsson in the first half. But Viktor Tsyhankov equalized for Ukraine after the break with a similarly outstanding individual effort. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the “crucial victory,” thanking the players for “proving once again that when it is difficult for Ukrainians, but they do not give up and continue to fight, then Ukrainians will certainly win.”
“At a time when they want to destroy us every day, we are proving every day: Ukrainians are and will be!” he wrote adding, “Ukraine is and will be! Thank you for the victory! Glory to Ukraine!” Star Oleksandr Zinchenko, enlisted by Zelensky as a celebrity ambassador, also posted “Glory to Ukraine” after the win.
Euro 2024, held in Germany in June and July, will be Ukraine’s first major tournament since Russia’s invasion unleashed unprecedented destruction. Russia is banned from participating. Ukraine will face Belgium, Slovakia and Romania in Group E, competing on the international stage while war continues to devastate their homeland.
Zelensky has repeatedly appealed to Western allies for increased military assistance, but a major US aid package remains stalled in Congress even as global attention has shifted towards the situation in Israel and Gaza. Ukraine was recently forced to cede ground by withdrawing from the key eastern town of Avdiivka after months of stalemate.
