Ukraine and Spain coaches

Ukraine is about to make its long-awaited debut in the football World Cup finals, with its opening game against Spain on Wednesday. This former Soviet republic has struggled to make its mark as a top footballing nation. The country's prime minister has urged Ukrainians to support the national side. Helen Fawkes reports from Kiev.

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It was only in the last few years that Ukraine burst onto the world stage. After the Soviet Union collapsed, some of its best players left for Russia. The two nations are footballing rivals, so many people here are taking great delight that Russia has failed to qualify for the World Cup. Ukraine's opening game kicks off at 4.00 pm local time.

Many people will be leaving work early with the government's approval. The prime minister, Yuri Yekhanurov, has said that employers should ensure that everyone is able to see the game. Thousands of people are expected to gather in the capital's main square to watch the event live on a giant screen.

It's very unlikely that Ukraine will go on to win the competition, but the country shouldn't be completely written off. Its captain is Andriy Shevchenko, one of the world's best footballers and the team coach is Oleg Blokhin, who was one of the Soviet Union's most successful players.

Listen to the words

qualified for
managed to get into

burst onto the world stage
became internationally famous

collapsed
broke up

rivals
sides who compete against each other

are taking great delight
are really enjoying

approval
support

ensure
make sure

live
as it happens

written off
put down as having no chances

For teachers
Lesson plan based on this story (64K)