Ukraine coach Serhiy Rebrov said his team would fight on despite missing out on automatic qualification for Euro 2024 after Monday’s 0-0 tie with Italy.
While Italy qualified second from Group C behind England courtesy of a better head-to-head record with Ukraine, Rebrov’s team needs to get through the playoffs to reach next year’s European Championship in Germany.
Monday’s game in Leverkusen was the latest of Ukraine’s ‘home’ matches to be played at a neutral stadium, away from the war-torn nation.
“As all of you know, the war in Ukraine is continuing,” Rebrov told reporters.
“It is quite hard for the players, they’re always watching their phones, they’re watching the news, same as me.
“In this atmosphere, it is not easy to work.
“But we understand we are presenting as a very strong country and I think today on the field all the players showed that we have character and that we fight for our country.”
Chelsea forward Mykhailo Mudryk was denied a penalty in stoppage time when he appeared to have been tripped by Italy midfielder Bryan Cristante.
“From my point of view that was a penalty, but again I was not there and it’s only about my emotions,” Rebrov added.
Ukraine is bidding to qualify for a fourth straight European Championship.
Rebrov believes his side could gain strength from the support it has received while playing its home games in different cities and countries — even from their opponents.
“I’m pleased Leverkusen gave us this opportunity to play in this beautiful stadium and to support us,” he said.
“The players from Italy and the Italian supporters were all there for us.
“It’s a really emptional thing, I’m sure this game showed for lots of countries the support of Ukraine and the atmosphere in the stadium was very good.”
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© Agence France-Presse