Ukraine’s World Cup challenge captivated its citizens for a short time – but war is more important | UK News
The Tartan army greets Ukrainian supporters as they leave Hampden.
Win or lose, no one here forgets the bigger picture.
At the beginning of the day, thoughts of war are not far away from the support of yellow and green traveling people went to Scotland’s national stadium.
This is a road trip for the vast majority of Ukraine watchers, with flights from home not an option.
The coach has brought supporters – many of them refugees – from as far away as London.
I rode on a bus organized by the Ukrainian Club of Edinburgh. Among those making the trip were those new to Scotland.
It wasn’t your typical football fan bus, but, it wasn’t a typical football crowd.
The coach brought in supporters – many of them refugees
Natalya told me she is not a football fan, and this is only her second match, but that “this is part of my country for me”.
What do Ukrainians think about the game
This is an occasion for Ukrainians to come together and share the focus and pride of the country.
Ninety Minutes Football also provides a brief window into life as they are known. The enjoyment of entertainment in safety – how long has it been?
Match also provides records. One view made by many bus refugees is that they fear the world will forget about Ukraine’s plight.
They hope that a World Cup qualifier that gets global attention (the international media all cover the match) will help sustain their struggle in the headlines.
Their players served reasonably well and with the job done in Hampden, they now have work to do against Wales at the weekend.
I asked a Ukrainian fan who was waving a flag to show Hampden what he thought of the match. He replied, “The war goes on.”
I said: “In Cardiff?”
“No,” he replied. “The battle continues.”
Ukraine’s World Cup challenge captivated their people for a short time, and it will return.
But the battle is more important.
