The Ukraine Soccer Team has a solemn duty: to raise the nation’s morale
“There is no anger, only hate,” says Oleksandr Petrakov, the head coach for Ukraine’s men’s national soccer team, of his feelings toward the. We’re sitting in Petrakov’s bedroom cum office at a luxury resort perched beneath the Slovenian Alps. The coffee table is strewn with stopwatches and tactical notebooks. It’s here that the steely-eyed 64-year-old has ensconced his young charges at a training camp to prepare for battle.
The weight of expectations hangs heavy over the group. Professional soccer players are usually notorious for their pampered lifestyles, for their personalized boot deals, and fawning fans. But none of the 21 players currently in Slovenia is unaffected by Russia’s invasion—and a singularity of purpose permeates all aspects of life here.
Many of the 21 Ukrainian players here considered joining the army, but ultimately decided they were of more help to the war effort on the pitch. And the scene here in Slovenia—where the lush training pitch is flanked by wildflower meadows and ornamental lakes, with faraway church bells and horses neighing in the distance—couldn’t be further from the devastation in Ukraine today. That dissonance can be painful to grapple with.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Klitschko brothers urge Europe to stay strong for UkraineFormer world boxing champions Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko urge Europe to stay strong for Ukraine
Read more »
Warning as Putin’s attack on Ukraine may launch ‘World War Three’ - 'May not survive it'UKRAINE's invasion by Russia may be the beginning of the 'World War Three' and our civilization 'may not be able to survive it', said billionaire financier George Soros in a stark warning while speaking at his annual dinner at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Read more »
Russia-Ukraine war latest: two Russian soldiers plead guilty to war crimes in eastern Ukraine – liveThe pair were involved in shelling that destroyed an educational establishment in the town of Derhachi, prosecutors said
Read more »
Ukraine war: World Bank warns of global recession due to conflict'As we look at the global GDP ... it's hard right now to see how we avoid a recession,' David Malpass said.
Read more »
I'm a Celebrity 2022 confirmed for Australia by Ant and Dec'Back to its spiritual home, back to where it all started.'
Read more »