More than two years have passed since Russian soldiers and tanks crossed into Ukraine. It remains a country in conflict, defiant, tough, standing its ground.
Football may not like magic be able to heal problems as deep as war, but it can provide moments of escapism for those that follow it. The opportunity to drift from reality into pockets of time which will be remembered forever.
Ukraine's national team this week embark on the chance to provide as such for its nationals - millions of whom have been displaced following Russia's invasion - with UEFA's final playoff round to decide the remaining three participants at this summer's Euro 2024. A trip to Bosnia & Herzegovina awaits on Thursday night, with either Israel or Iceland facing the winner later this weekend.
Georgi Sudakov is roundly considered as one of Ukrainian football's brightest new hopes. The 21-year-old, a dynamic and attacking central midfielder drawing style of play comparisons to the likes of Luka Modric and Thiago Alcantara, and of interest some of the continent's biggest clubs, will be key to their hopes of qualification.
Already capped 12 times by the national team, scoring once, Sudakov this week puts aside his hopes of winning the Ukrainian league title with Shakhtar Donetsk to attempt to send his country to Germany.
"It would be incredible to qualify for the Euros," Sudakov exclusively told 90min. "It's always a dream for our country, and in these difficult times it would be a huge achievement. It is very important to give hope and joy to our people, and it is important for our national team to reach that new level."
Sudakov has admirably balanced the most challenging years of his career - breaking into top level football for club and country - amid a backdrop of the trouble and worry of war and the responsibility of raising a young daughter, who was born after Russia's invasion.
"Everything is fine, my family is in Kyiv now," Sudakov reflected. "Of course, no one can guarantee their safety, there are constant air raid alerts and explosions, but my family is currently staying in Kyiv."
It was in summer 2022, months before the World Cup in Qatar, that Ukraine embarked on a similar opportunity to qualify for a major tournament, via a play-off. Sudakov was not a part of the squad that ultimately lost to Wales in Cardiff, but now he stands in a position to directly influence his country's path for many years to come - starting with the upcoming fixtures.
"At that moment it was a very painful defeat, but now our coach has changed, the team has changed, and we are preparing for the matches with renewed strength and feelings and believe that we can qualify," he added.
Belgium, Slovakia and Romania await in the group stages for the winners of play-off Path B, but Sudakov is targeting another international tournament later this year, with Ukraine one of 16 teams with a chance of scooping a medal at the 2024 Olympics, hosted in France.
"We are going there to win medals," Sudakov targeted. "But we cannot guarantee anything, we will do our best and try to show our best football and achieve great success."
Success, especially on premium international stages such as Euro 2024 or the Olympic Games, can often propel certain players into the thoughts of clubs looking to for their own next big star. Sudakov's ascent has already alerted some of Europe's biggest teams, with the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Barcelona, Napoli and Milan credited with interest in the past.
There were even offers from Italy lodged to Shakhtar in January. Though Sudakov agreed a contract extension at the time with Shakhtar after they showed desire to keep him.
“The club wanted me to stay and provided me with better conditions that we agreed upon, that's all," he said of his decision to sign a new deal. But talk of a move to one of Europe's top leagues will inevitably come around again for a player making such an impression.
Though his first ever football shirt was a Manchester United one donning Cristiano Ronaldo's name on the back, Sudakov admitted there's not particularly one club he dreams of playing for at this point. And though while happy with Shakhtar at present he understands that choosing the next destination, whenever the move comes, is a decision he has to get right.
"I cannot name one club. There are many clubs in Europe that show very stable and good results and play at a great level. And perhaps I cannot choose one championship either. Playing in the top 5 leagues is a dream for any footballer."
Ukrainian international teammate and former Shakhtar colleague Mykhailo Mudryk is to this day one of Sudakov's closest friends - they even extended their contracts simultaneously with Shakhtar in early 2022 before Mudryk left to join Chelsea almost a year later.
Sudakov is backing Mudryk to make his spell at Chelsea a long-term success, with clever goals against Leeds and Newcastle underlining not only his talents, but his ability to adapt to play in different positions.
"I hope I make the right decisions," Sudakov said. "Mykhailo and I talk every day, and in some situations I learn from him and he gives me advice. He’s having new challenges at Chelsea this season, but he is a very talented player with very big ambitions. I think he has a great future."
Sudakov revealed the two still talk each day and share a close bond. But he went on to admit that seeing someone so close to him have a difficult adjustment period at a new club has meant he has had to consider his own next steps carefully. Mudryk has recently found some good form in Chelsea blue and is considered a fan favourite among the home support, even after a difficult start.
"Mykhailo is a talented player, he can play in any position, not only on the wing, he can play in the centre of the field, as a centre forward. I am sure that he has a bright future ahead of him at Chelsea. It just requires time, and people should trust him."
EURO 2024 - WHEN, WHERE, THE FAVOURITES AND PREDICTING WHO WILL WIN
This article was originally published on www.90min.com as Georgiy Sudakov on Ukraine's Euro 2024 hopes, transfer links & Mykhailo Mudryk.
