Cardiff (dpa) – After the bursting of the World Cup dream, the concern of the Ukrainian footballers was again for the people in their homeland, which was plagued by the Russian war, and for peace all over the world.
“I would like to say again to the rest of the world: we all have to stand together, we have to stand together against the war. We have to stop the war. Because today it’s Ukraine, tomorrow it can be their country. You don’t know. Everyone wants to live in peace,” said Oleksandr Zinchenko on the BeIN Sports TV channel.
An own goal ends the World Cup hope
The defender of the English soccer champions Manchester City was just as devastated and sad as his teammates after the unfortunate 0-1 (0-1) in the playoff final against Wales. They courageously fought for their dream of the World Cup in Qatar and the joy that came with it for their compatriots. But an own goal by their captain Andriy Jarmolenko, who headed in from a free-kick from Wales captain Gareth Bale in the 34th minute, ended their World Cup hopes in Cardiff’s constant rain.
“We did everything we could,” said coach Oleksandr Petrakov, “but I really want the people of Ukraine to remember our efforts.” Ukraine were superior and had more chances to score, but Zinchenko and his colleagues didn’t take advantage of them. “Today’s player of the match was the Wales goalkeeper, which means we were really good, created a lot of chances but unfortunately didn’t score,” said the 25-year-old.
Wales, on the other hand, celebrated the end of their World Cup curse – even without their own goal in the playoff final. For the first time in 64 years, the Brits are taking part in a championship with their Star Bale. In the tournament from November 21 to December 18 in Group B against England, Iran and the USA. “It’s the best result in the history of Welsh football,” said Bale. “I’m just happy we’re going to a World Cup. It means everything, it’s what dreams are made of. I’m speechless. I’m so happy. We did it for these amazing fans.”