Andriy Shevchenko optimistic about strengthening cooperation between Ukraine and Japan in football and beyond it

17.03.2024 19:24

On March 25th, Ukraine's Olympic team will face off against Japan in a friendly match in Fukuoka. To prepare for this encounter, Ruslan Rotan's squad will kick off their training camp in Szeged, Hungary on March 18th.

Today, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine, Matsuda Kuninori, hosted a reception. The Ukrainian delegation visiting the embassy included the acting Minister of Youth and Sports Maksym Bidnyi, the President of the Ukrainian Association of Football Andriy Shevchenko, UAF General Secretary Igor Gryshchenko, representatives of the coaching staff, and players from the Ukrainian Olympic team.

"We eagerly await your arrival in Japan. It's springtime here, and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom—a truly beautiful season. However, as the Ambassador of Japan, I must warn you that the Japanese team is formidable and will fight fiercely on their home turf. I sincerely hope that despite your busy schedule in Japan, you'll find time to experience our way of life and taste Japanese cuisine. I hope you enjoy your time in Japan!" said Matsuda Kuninori in his address.

In response, Andriy Shevchenko noted, "After the full-scale invasion by Russia, the Japan Football Association provided direct support to the UAF by allocating $100,000 to assist Ukrainian football. I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank them for their support! We are also grateful for your assistance in organizing the friendly match, which will take place on March 25th in Fukuoka. Japan has invited the Ukrainian delegation and will cover all expenses. I believe that our countries will strengthen cooperation not only in football but also in other areas."

"I also want to thank the Ambassador and the people of Japan for their hospitality and willingness to help Ukraine, particularly Ukrainian sports. You rightly pointed out, Mr. Ambassador, that the Japanese team will fight until the end. This is a great example of how such things can remain solely within sports and on the principles of Olympic values.

To our team, I want to wish you to make the most of this opportunity and gain the necessary experience. We expect the best results from you, especially at the Olympic Games in Paris," emphasized Maksym Bidnyi.

The squad for Ukraine's Olympic team includes:

Goalkeepers: Kiril Fesyun (Kolos Kovalivka), Georgiy Yermakov (Oleksandriya)

Defenders: Anton Bol (Zorya Luhansk), Maryan Faryna (Metalist 1925 Kharkiv), Roman Didyk (Rukh Lviv), Maksym Dyachuk (Dynamo Kyiv), Andriy Buleza (Karpaty Lviv), Oleksandr Martyniuk (Oleksandriya), Yehor Matsenko (Slonsk, Poland)

Midfielders: Eldar Kuliiev (Zira, Azerbaijan), Ivan Zhelizko (Lechia, Poland), Artem Kulakovskyi, Kyrylo Siheiev, Denys Shostak, Artem Shulianskyi (all Oleksandriya), Oleksandr Nazarenko (Polissya Zhytomyr), Oleksiy Sych, Oleg Fedor (both Rukh Lviv), Oleksiy Kashchuk (Shakhtar Donetsk)

Forward: Mykola Kukharevych (Swansea, Wales)

It's worth noting that the draw for the football tournaments at the 2024 Olympics is scheduled for March 20th in Saint-Denis.