More than two years have passed since Russian soldiers and tanks crossed into Ukraine. It remains a country in conflict, defiant, tough, standing its ground.
Football may not like magic be able to heal problems as deep as war, but it can provide moments of escapism for those that follow it. The opportunity to drift from reality into pockets of time which will be remembered forever.
Ukraine’s national team this week embark on the chance to provide as such for its nationals – millions of whom have been displaced following Russia’s invasion – with UEFA’s final playoff round to decide the remaining three participants at this summer’s Euro 2024. A trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina awaits on Thursday night, with either Israel or Iceland facing the winner later this weekend.
Georgi Sudakov is roundly considered as one of Ukrainian football’s brightest new hopes. The 21-year-old, a dynamic and attacking central midfielder drawing style of play comparisons to the likes of Luka Modric and Thiago Alcantara, and of interest some of the continent’s biggest clubs, will be key to their hopes of qualification.
Already capped 12 times by the national team, scoring once, Sudakov this week puts aside his hopes of winning the Ukrainian league title with Shakhtar Donetsk to attempt to send his country to Germany.
“It would be incredible to qualify for the Euros,” Sudakov exclusively told 90min. “It’s always a dream for our country, and in these difficult times it would be a huge achievement. It is very important to give hope and joy to our people, and it is important for our national team to reach that new level.”
Sudakov has admirably balanced the most challenging years of his career – breaking into top level football for club and country – amid a backdrop of the trouble and worry of war and the responsibility of raising a young daughter, who was born after Russia’s invasion.
“Everything is fine, my family is in Kyiv now,” Sudakov reflected. “Of course, no one can guarantee their safety, there are constant air raid alerts and explosions, but my family is currently staying in Kyiv.”
It was in summer 2022, months before the World Cup in Qatar, that Ukraine embarked on a similar opportunity to qualify for a major tournament, via a play-off. Sudakov was not a part of the squad that ultimately lost to Wales in Cardiff, but now he stands in a position to directly influence his country’s path for many years to come – starting with the…
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