Jumat, 15 Juni 2012

Ukraine v France Euro 2012

Made our way into town by local bus and found that we were some 5k past the stadium. So much for on the same road.

The weather was similar to Kharkiv, so I was pleased to see some cloud in the early afternoon to keep the temperature down.

Donbass Arena, Donetsk


Arriving at the Donbass Arena, it looks like a drab space ship. Inside though the home clubs colours give the stadium a livelier feel. The stadium was the most expensive in Europe, although questions have been asked as to why?

There was an excellent atmosphere in the stadium as the match kicked off, but the rain started to empty the stand opposite me. Then a loud bang, and the players were taken off the pitch. Papers have reported that stands were emptied, truth of the matter is the people were soaked to the skin by the sudden downpour and many had already taken shelter before play stopped.

Ukraine v France, Donbass Arena, Donetsk


Ukraine tried, but relied too much on one player. Unfortunately Shevchenko had two good efforts but could not find the net. France produced an excellent performance quickly getting the ball into the last third of play and then, producing passes that Spain would have been proud of.

At the end of the game I expected to find chaos outside in terms of water everywhere but there was hardly a sign of the deluge.

Downpour at Donbass Arena, Donetsk


Now the stadium was lit up and looked as though it deserved it's ranking as one of the best stadiums in the world.

Taxi drivers were asking for 250 Hryvnia to take us back, but we went round the corner and got one for 70.

Back at the accommodation we found we had a bed there for the night. Unfortunately for one member of my party their night's sleep ended with another loud bang as their bunk bed collapsed with them in it.

Time to move on.

Will be catching the train tomorrow to Lviv for a 24 hour train journey.

Donbass Arena, Donetsk, Ukraine


© Ross Clegg & Soccerphile.com

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