You're reading: Euro 2012 blog: More than football

Ukraine’s victory over Sweden sparked a unifying fervor across the hosting country as fans were embracing each other and holding hands congratulating with victory. Thousands of Ukrainians cheered on the stadium and fan zone in downtown Kyiv.

This was a true celebration that Ukrainians did not experience with such unity since Yushchenko’s victory during the Orange Revolution. The victorious fans were shouting at each other “Ukraine, Ukraine!” and “Sheva, Sheva!” spilling across the capital’s streets as the match ended. Cars were beeping and waving flags with fans victoriously shouting back.

Ukrainians felt something more than football during the game.

The fan zone was completely packed with fans singing the national hymn throughout the game. With victory, Ukrainians felt a step closer to national unity remembering that together they can be powerful and successful, and that they are a country. Noticing British fans supporting Ukraine and not Sweden intensified Ukrainians’ self-esteem. The celebration was continued after the game where trucks unloaded thousands of Pepsi bottles for fans to enjoy. This was a true victory that Ukraine fully deserved.

There were few occasions at the fan zone that made the crowd nervous. A group of 20 hooligans pushed through the center of the crowd on Khreshchatyk Street exploding a massive firework right amongst the people after the Swedes scored their first and only goal. For a couple of seconds people were nervously confused and scared. The loud exploding noise and cloud of smoke was not appreciated but rather brought unnecessary concern and alarmed screaming.

Nevertheless, Ukrainians had a consensus of feeling, an experience that the nation should experience more often. They need to feel and see that they can trust each other, shout with each other and embrace one another out on the streets even if they are complete strangers.

Thus, a football game for Ukrainians is something amply more than a sport; it is a symbol to internationally demonstrate that they are capable and that they are included. It is a bridge for further international integration and a rebellion against being branched off and transparently unnoticed.

Kyiv Post staff writer Ilya Timtchenko can be reached at [email protected]