In the build up to Euro 2016, ThatsMags.com will be profiling Euro 2016 Shanghai Fans from all 24 countries taking part in the tournament in France. Aussie-Ukranian Damo Pilat is just hoping they can get out of their group.
Ukraine, Group C
Oppenents: Northern Ireland, Germany & Poland
Odds: 80/1
Greatest moment?
Definitely the 2006 World Cup. Our first qualification since independence in ’91. To get two draws against the English in qualifying, and then to make it to the 2nd round in Germany made for an exceptional campaign for the Yellow-Blue!
Worst moment?
Post-independence in '91, when FIFA accepted us as a registered nation. Seeing leading Ukranian players (Kanchelskis, Solenko and co.) choose to play for our neighbors Russia over the mother country. And then watching Solenko bang in five against the Cameroonians in USA '94 and set a new World Cup record.
Greatest Euros moment?
It took co-hosting in 2012 to first qualify for the event. Unfortunately, an ageing maestro in Sheva’ couldn’t drag us out of the group stages. A competition consistent with Ukranian football history. To actually qualify for this event on merit would have to be our greatest Euros achievement to date I’d say.
Worst Euros moment?
This will only be our second ever Euros. Not making it out of the group stages on home soil has to be our worst moment. Especially losing a group game to the English, when we had a 'ghost goal' that was never given (below).
Where you and your countrymen (and women) will be watching it in Shanghai?
The Camel of course… Didn’t realize you could or would want to watch it elsewhere.
Song(s) the fans sing?
“Glory to Ukraine.” This is a chant from the western and central regions of Ukraine and historically not welcome in the South and East of Ukraine. Given the current climate, we’ll need to listen to see if they bang this one out in France.
Biggest rivals?
We have a few, but by far the biggest, and for obvious reasons are our neighbors the “Sbornaya” (Russians).
Star Man?
We have two to keep your eyes on and fill your fantasy teams with. Andriy Yarmolenko (above) and Yevhen Konoplyanka. Even at 37, I guess I shouldn’t leave out Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, voted the greatest Ukranian footballer of all time.
One to watch?
Viktor Covalenko is one who has excelled through the Ukranian youth system and is the next national hope. He may find his chance in the next tournament.
Bad Boy?
Kanchelskis and Solenko…
Boy Blunder?
Whilst not so much worried about blunders, Artem Fedetskiy is sure to get in card trouble on more than one occasion.
Heart Throb?
The WAGS. They say, “The further east you go…”
So what are your chances?
Realistically, not great. Getting to the second round would be a victory for us in itself, considering our current squad and group opponents.
Want to write about your country? Email us at editor@urbanatomy.com.
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