EURO 2024: Ukrainian national team met fans before departing for Germany

On May 29, the Ukrainian team will head to Germany, where on June 3, they will play the first of three scheduled friendly matches in Nuremberg. Their opponent will be the host team.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

In a friendly atmosphere at the Blockbuster Mall in the capital, blue-yellow players Mykola Matviyenko, Georgiy Sudakov, Yukhym Konoplya, Volodymyr Brazhko, and Valeriy Bondar engaged with fans. The event was organized with the support of the Ukrainian Association of Football and the national sponsor of the Ukrainian team, the Lvivske brand.

The gathering brought together over 500 fans, who had the opportunity to ask questions to their football idols.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

— How do you assess your group-stage opponents, especially Romania and Slovakia, who are not considered favorites?

Yukhym Konoplya: — It's essential not to underestimate opponents because everyone is highly motivated for the European Championship. Each match is a single confrontation, so any team can shine in any game.

— How do you rate the importance of today's event?

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

Georgiy Sudakov: — It's very gratifying to see so many young boys and girls coming to support us. I see the excitement in their eyes and the joy they get from interacting with us. I'm pleased we can bring them happiness by signing cards and balls.

Valeriy Bondar: — Interacting with fans is very important for us. We need to find time for both supporters and the press. Everyone wants to ask questions, find out how things are going with the team, and be close to the players.

— The Olympics will follow EURO 2024. Would you like to play in it?

Georgiy Sudakov: — Of course, I want to and dream about it.

— What result at EURO 2024 would be good for you, and what would be disappointing?

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

Valeriy Bondar: — I don't want to make too many promises to avoid criticism later. The team must show character and play to win. Everyone going to Germany understands the importance of our participation in the championship for the country. We want to play football that our fans will enjoy and that will honor the heroic defenders of Ukraine.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

At the event, attendees had the chance to win prizes in a football quiz. The top prize winners received four jerseys signed by national team head coach Serhiy Rebrov and the players. The prizes were presented by the team's friend, their 12th player, and mascot Leofan.

Photo by Andriy Yushchak

Following the tradition of naming a Lion of the Match after each national team game, the players named the Lion of Today's Event, who received a statuette with autographs from their idols, presented by Mykola Matviyenko.

No one left empty-handed — at the end of the event, every fan received autographs from their favorite players.