UEFA EURO 2024 Group Stage
17 June, 2024 - Indian Date
Fußball Arena München
MATCH TIMES
India
06:30 PM
UAE
05:00 PM
Saudi Arabia
04:00 PM
MATCH LIVE INFO
Ukraine possible starting lineup: Lunin; Konoplya, Zabarnyi, Matviyenko, Zinchenko; Shaparenko, Stepanenko, Sudakov; Tsygankov, Dovbyk, Mudryk
Romania possible starting lineup: Nita; Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Bancu; M. Marin, R. Marin; Man, Stanciu, Mihaila; Dragus
Match Preview
Ukraine's national football team, led by coach Serhiy Rebrov, is set to showcase "the spirit of Ukraine" in their Euro 2024 opener against Romania on Monday. This appearance comes amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, which began its invasion in February 2022. Despite these challenging circumstances, Ukraine qualified for the tournament in Germany, symbolizing a significant achievement for the nation.
Rebrov, who is managing at his first major international tournament, expressed the strong connection and support his team receives from Ukrainian soldiers and citizens. He emphasized that the tournament represents the resilient spirit of Ukraine, stating, "All the players, me personally, are getting lots of messages from our fighters, from our soldiers, from our friends who are now fighting for the freedom of Ukraine. I am sure they are very proud of us, we are very proud of them. They are telling [us], when you are here 'show the spirit of Ukraine'. This tournament is really about the spirit of our country."
Rebrov highlighted the importance of Ukraine's participation in the Euros, especially during such a difficult time for the nation. With many lives lost and the country in turmoil, football provides a unifying and uplifting force.
Defender Ilya Zabarnyi echoed these sentiments, expressing the honor and responsibility he feels representing Ukraine. He acknowledged the challenging times the country is facing but remained focused on their footballing mission, stating, "We understand where we are and what we need to do. It is football and we need to play with a cold head."
Ukraine, which reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 before losing to England, will face Belgium and Slovakia in Group E alongside Romania. The team's historical performance at the Euros has seen mixed results, with notable victories and struggles to score in group stage games. Nonetheless, their participation in Euro 2024 is imbued with profound significance, symbolizing the enduring spirit and resilience of Ukraine amidst adversity.