“I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.” – Abraham Lincoln
London. June 22. 1996. Covent Garden
It is hard to forget the aforementioned date, for it showed me what England and its football culture was all about. Before coming to the place that we often call in Ukraine ‘A Foggy Albion‘ I had never thought that it would change my perception of football, let alone my way of thinking. There was a feeling as if I dived into the unknown ocean, which, in turn, was full of emotions, national pride, patriotism, sense of unity and tremendous love for football as well as everything that surrounds it. I had a desire to be part of this ‘community’ – to become one of those people singing in unison Football’s Coming Home in an Irish pub somewhere in Covent Garden. Back then, football almost certainly seemed more than just a game involving twenty-two players and a ball.
London. June 26. 1996. Wembley.
The dream finally came true – here I was, watching England v Germany at one of the best stadiums in the world and singing together with everyone the song I heard in central London a few days ago.
One of the modern-day musicians said that “Led Zeppelin’s songs take you to another dimensions”. From my point of view, this statement could fully describe (if that possible at all) the atmosphere that I experienced while standing side by side with English fans. That was probably one of the most memorable and brightest moments in many people’s lives. It was like a big friendly family that you have always been a part of.
Ukraine. 16 years later
Where politicians fail, football can succeed. As mentioned in the previous article, Ukraine is still ideologically, culturally and politically divided into two parts – eastern and western Ukraine. Since 1991, when Ukraine gained its independence, there has not been really any major event that could truly unite the nation and make it realize that it is no longer a ‘Russia’s younger brother’ whose steps we should follow. Recent political events (massive fraud during parliamentary elections) in the neighbouring country showed that pro-European values mean absolutely nothing for its political elite.
Could Euro 2012 become a determining factor in terms of national identity? According to my own experience, I think it can. I may not remember what happened a week ago but I perfectly remember what happened sixteen years ago and what influence it had on me, not only in purely football terms.
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