Football European Cup Hosted By Zaporizhia

Only twice in the history of “Slavutich-Arena”
took the European Cup. It was in 2006.
And 12 years ago, local fans finally saw the European Cups
at home. For a start, the Cossacks easily dealt with the Moldavian Zimbru (0:
0, 3: 0). But in the next round they got the famous “Panathinaikos”.
Football European Cup Hosted By Zaporizhia
Football European Cup Hosted By Zaporizhia
Few people believed that the team that got into the European
Cups only as a finalist of the Ukrainian Cup was not something that the Greeks
would pass, but would even impose a serious struggle on them. But Sergei
Yashchenko’s charges surprised. In Athens, Salpingidis opened the scoring in
the 10th minute, and no one was surprised. But “Metallurg” managed not only to
not miss more, but also won back at the beginning of the second half by the
efforts of Alexey Godin. An effective draw on the road meant that the Cossacks
could be closed at home and withstand zero.
The rush around the second home European Cup match in
Zaporozhye was. Proof – 11,800 spectators. Fortunately, the weather, despite
the fact that it was already September, contributed to this. Red-black scarves,
banners, flags of Ukraine, Cossack mascot – such a “Slavutych arena” has never
been seen. There was also beer – a traditional attribute for our fans at that
time. Nevertheless, it seems to only play into the hands of the team – the
tipsy fans did not hesitate to drive their own people forward, creating an
atmosphere.
Football European Cup Hosted By Zaporizhia
Football European Cup Hosted By Zaporizhia
True, not without negativity. The banana thrown away by the
black goalkeeper guests spoiled the overall picture of the holiday around the
game.
The guests began more actively, more often they were
approaching the Glushchenko gate. And in the 14th minute, Dimitrios
Papadopoulos kicked in the fall soaked the score. Under the incredible support
of the stands, Metallurg ran to recoup. Each more or less dangerous moment was
accompanied by the roar of the stands and desperate breaths after, and the
Greeks lying on the lawn – with a roar and whistle. Zaporozhtsevs had chances
(a blow back to back from Modebadze, a distant shot of Demchenko), but they had
no luck that evening. Having beaten the Greeks in all statistical indicators,
except goals, Zaporozhye said goodbye to European Cups.
Football European Cup Hosted By Zaporizhia
Football European Cup Hosted By Zaporizhia
Today, European football will return to the
“Slavutych-Arena”, but without the favorite for local fans of the club.
However, the stadium should be hot.