Today, the national team of Ukraine will play its decisive match in Euro-2024 qualification against Italy. About the expected support for the team of Serhiy Rebrov and other interesting facts about the Ukrainian Football Association website were shared by First Vice President of UAF Vadim Kostyuchenko.

— Should we expect a full house at the stadium in Leverkusen?

— Of course! This is a very important match for our national team, as it decides the direct qualification path from Group C to Euro, so the enthusiasm among fans is even greater. Although in the case of the main national team matches that take place due to full-scale war in various European cities, interest in the squad remains high. Therefore, the stands at Leverkusen will be packed to capacity. Each of our fans will receive a flag. Tens of thousands such flags will color the "BayArena" in the national colors of Ukraine and create a truly home atmosphere, which is very important for the footballers and hopefully only adds strength to them in this responsible match.

— Will the state anthem sound with special energy today?

— Our anthem always sounds uniquely, but this time its energy will be infused by a special performer. This is our opera singer Serhiy Ivanchuk, whose story has touched Ukraine and the world. Having received five bullet wounds, he managed to survive. He is a person of incredible spiritual strength and dedication to his homeland. Serhiy studied in Italy but could not continue his studies when full-scale invasion by Russia began. He returned to Ukraine, engaged in volunteer work, helped people affected by the aggressor, including organizing evacuation from the combat zone in Kharkiv and Sumy regions.

During one of his trips, he received five bullet wounds from an enemy DGR unit. He was on the brink of life and death but prevailed because he is a Ukrainian with an indomitable spirit. Now he continues treatment in Germany and fortunately retains the ability to sing despite having a wounded lung. He constantly holds charity concerts and other events, helping to raise funds for volunteer needs, generally—already over €2 million.

— Has UAF traditionally invited our warriors to matches?

— Yes. We continue our cooperation with the families of fallen defenders of Ukraine, who are looked after by the "Heroes' Tribunes" Fund. As we did for previous home matches, we have also invited them to the match against Italy's national team. For us, this is a great honor, and for the relatives of fallen warriors—it is important social support, psychological rehabilitation, and an opportunity to cheer for their favorite team.

In addition, there will be soldiers who are undergoing treatment and rehabilitation in Germany. Each of these brave people, who have endured severe trials on the front line, still needs our support now. Every such trip to a match for them is a bright event in their lives, and we gladly help organize it for them. And this is only a small part of what we can do for them.

— Who will lead out our footballers onto the "BayArena" pitch?

— This will be children of our soldiers and children of displaced persons who were forced to flee from the combat zone. Imagine what emotions will fill them as they step on the field, and it makes us especially joyful. These children have faced great challenges at such a young age and require special attention. Of course, this event will be unforgettable for them. Perhaps someone will be inspired towards a future football career, and he or she will recall this in an interview for millions of viewers.

— How important is it that home matches are held in different cities across Europe?

— First of all, this helps us attract additional support for the United24 fund, which directs received funds, among other things, to rebuilding Ukraine. Secondly, this is an opportunity to reach as many fans as possible who live in various corners of Europe. There are a large number of displaced persons who temporarily left Ukraine after February 24, 2022. Naturally, among them are many fans, and not everyone can afford to travel to a national team match in another country. Therefore, organizing matches in different cities across Europe is an additional unifying tool for millions of Ukrainians. Of course, logistical and organizational factors also need to be considered in the case of each nominal home game. It's important to understand that organizing a match abroad involves significant challenges that must be taken into account and resolved.

I remind you that our national team has already played its official home matches in Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia. We are grateful for this to the governments, national associations, and peoples of these friendly countries. Now we sincerely thank the German government, the German Football Association, football club "Bayern," and the city of Leverkusen—for their hospitable reception, support, and help in organizing our important match against Italy's national team!