Ukraine
How'd they get here: Automatically qualified as co-hosts
Last Appearance: Never (1992 as the U.S.S.R.)
Best Appearance: N/A
Schedule:
June
11 vs Sweden
June
15 vs France
June
19 vs England
The Story:
One of the competition's co-hosts appear to be stumbling to the starting line as the tournament draws closer and closer. First there is the political turmoil surrounding the imprisonment and beating of ex-premier Yulia Tymoshenko that has caused quite a stir internationally with some world leaders (such as Germany's Prime Minister) threatening to boycott games played in the Ukraine. The politics have even taken a dangerous turn with an attack in the city of Dnipropetrovsk (not a city that will host the competition) injuring 26 people. Something not lost on the nations competing as only 3 countries have adopted Ukraine as their residence for the duration of the tournament.
The country's soccer team is also hoping things will work out when the tournament begins as they are a group of young unproven players led by aging stars who aren't what they used to be. Ukraine's team is coached by Oleh Blokhin, previous winner of the Ballon d'Or (awarded to the best football player in Europe) as a player. Blohkin coached Ukraine in their only other appearance at a major competition (the World Cup in 2006) and will hope to bring that experience to lead his country to a surprise quarter-final berth.
