MOST UNDERRATED EURO 2024 MATCH

The European Championships isn’t just about the big stars, the most successful nations, and the trophy winners. It’s also the smaller nations, punching above their weight, seeking to upset the favorites, clawing and fighting for a sole victory, even a point, for the pride of their people.
The passion of the fans, their colorful and vibrant displays, their powerful songs and chants, form an invigorating mosaic of football, and this match between Ukraine and Slovakia is a great example of passionate football fans. As an American soccer fan, I am deeply grateful for these opportunities to witness the significance and potential for joy and community that these international football tournaments bring!
I attended this match in Dusseldorf, Germany, on a gloomy and rainy day. And although the match didn’t include some of the big names (barring Mudryk and Yarmolenko for Ukraine), it was one of the most exciting soccer games of the group stages, in my opinion. A total of 27 shots, 10 on target, and 3 goals made for an entertaining match, and the songs and chants of their supporters have been buzzing in my memory ever since.
In this segment of the Because Football journey, we have the valiant red, white, and blue of Slovakia (Slovensko!!! Slovensko!!) and their cheerful, determined chants (Ole Ole Ole Slovensko!), their massive, flowing flags with past legends, their capos with big hats like in the Monopoloy board game.
Then on the other side, the piercing sky blue and yellow of Ukraine, arms raised in a V shape, “Slava Ukraini!” bursting forth deep from their souls. Their punding drums, animated commentary on the match, and the burden of a nation in a troubled time.
We hope you enjoy the interviews, the mach day sights and sounds, the 9 euro Fanta, the cheering and singing, and the real MVP, the nice Slovakian lady behind me who suffered and celebrated with all of herself through each moment of this tense, decisive football match.
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