FC Mariupol is reborn! In a friendly match played this Sunday morning (30), at the Valdomiro Gelinski Stadium, in Guarapuava, in the state of Paraná, Associação Atlética Batel wore the orange shirt, carried a new shield on his chest and represented the Ukrainian club in the duel that ended in a draw by 1 to 1 with Campo Mourão.
The game moved everyone present with the tribute promoted by Batel to FC Mariupol, which interrupted its activities about a year ago, after the Russian invasion of the city. This Sunday, the teams entered the field accompanied by the flags of Ukraine and Brazil. The anthems of both countries and the state of Paraná were played before the kick-off. Dressed in the new uniform and waving the flag, the fans in the stands conveyed all their support and solidarity.
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The moment of glory came only after the first 45 minutes and another 5 minutes of the second half. In a defense launch, the ball bounced and left for the number 10, Cauã, who scored a beautiful header and materialized the dream of FC Mariupol fans, Ukrainians and football lovers: the goal came out of the throat again to celebrate the most memorable moment for FC Mariupol. If only for a moment, football brought joy back to a nation.
“Indescribable feeling. It was a historic goal, I’m very happy to be part of the history of FC Mariupol”, said the 18-year-old player. “It’s a tribute that brings us joy, it’s a feeling that doesn’t fit in the chest. We showed that war does not stop football”, he pointed out.
Directly from Ukraine, following the transmission on the channel “FCMariupolLives” on YouTube, on the computer, the Vice-President of FC Mariupol, Andriy Sanin, who currently lives in Kiev, cried emotionally for the moment. He returned to celebrate a goal 435 days later – the last duel had been the 2-1 victory in a friendly against Karpaty Lviv, on February 19, 2022.
“This game represents hope, rebirth. I have faith that we will return to our city, but while that is not possible, seeing FC Mariupol represented in Brazilian football, in the most victorious country in this sport, is something without words. I can only thank Batel and Brazil for this historic day. I am very happy”, he celebrated.
