Ukraine’s dream of reaching the World Cup final, scheduled for later this year, ended with a painful 0-1 defeat to Wales on Sunday in the final of the first European play-off circuit, leaving the war-torn country never to fulfill its dream of participating in the championship. The worldwide wedding is only the second time in its history. .

Despite the disappointment, a small group of Ukrainian fans adorned with blue and yellow flags greeted the players in a corner of Cardiff City Stadium.

“Access to the World Cup would lift the morale of the people. The fighting spirit that Russia is trying to suppress,” Igor Makarenko said in an interview with AFP.

Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko faced the same dilemma as the 25-year-old admitted earlier this week that he “kept one hand on his gun” when the war broke out before he was convinced he could do more than just fight. using your fame in a positive way.

By winning the Premier League on the last day of the season, Zinchenko gifted the title to his country.

The Ukrainian cornerback began to make a strong impression after winning the title, and during the coronation celebrations, he wrapped the League Cup in the Ukrainian flag.

Commenting on what he did, he said: “I am very proud to be Ukrainian and I would like to be able one day to bring this title to Ukraine for all Ukrainian people, because they deserve it.”

Like all his compatriots, the Russian invasion of Ukraine could not but affect Zinchenko, who took part in peaceful anti-war pickets in Manchester and sharply criticized the Russian invasion of his country.

Zinchenko felt that helping City win the Premier League title for the fourth time in five seasons was the perfect way to thank manager Josep Guardiola, his teammates and the club’s fans who supported him during these very difficult times.

On the pitch and for his country, the City star shone in the semi-final of this track and was instrumental in Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Scotland in his first game for his country since the war with Russia.

Zinchenko said: “We, as football players, have to represent our country as much as possible and in the best possible way. We have to show people that everyone needs to live in peace and we all need to stop the war because we don’t know what will happen tomorrow.”

“Today is Ukraine’s turn, and tomorrow there may be Russians in your country, so we need to unite,” he added.

After the Ukrainian players made their way to the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms, carrying a flag sent up by soldiers fighting on the front lines against the Russians, the Welsh team sang the traditional folk song “The Pit or Hyde” with their fans, which means “We are still here.”