Emotions are running high for Ukraine coach Oleksandr Petrakov and his players who stand one game away from completing their mission of reaching the World Cup finals.
Far from battlefields and Russian invaders, the Ukrainian footballers exempt from military service are trying to lead their country to the World Cup.Euro 2012 : Eliminated in group stageWhen they prepare to face Wales on Sunday in a playoff final, they will have a little extra inspiration in their Cardiff locker room from a flag sent by soldiers on the frontline.
"This is a great positive stimulus and brings positive emotions because everyone believes and sees how the whole world is united around us." Keeping Ukraine high in the headlines can be partly achieved by the men qualifying for their first World Cup since 2006. But it might take time for their compatriots on the front lines to discover the result in Wales.
"I don't communicate with any soldiers but the team writes to soldiers and even received a flag from the war which they promised to hang in the dressing room."
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