Japanese woman sings Ukrainian anthem before Fukuoka-Shakhtar charity match in support of Ukrainian refugees — video
FC Shakhtar Donetsk received a warm welcome at Tokyo's National Stadium on Dec. 18, where it played a charity match against Avispa Fukuoka in front of thousands of fans and more than 600 Ukrainian refugees.
The match, organized by a Japanese real estate group in support of Ukrainian refugees, ended in a 2-2 draw. Danylo Sikan and Maryan Shved scored for FC Shakhtar.
"(It was) a long trip, a little tired of course but very happy to play this game...it's nice to see a lot of people in the stands," Shakhtar manager Marino Pusic told Kyodo News.
The team was particularly impressed by a Japanese fan who had learned the Ukrainian national anthem in two days and sang it for the camera before the match.
Read also: ‘We’ll see you at Donbas Arena after de-occupation’ - Partisans in Donetsk show support for Shakhtar
Shakhtar Donetsk failed to qualify for the Champions League playoffs after losing an entertaining 5-3 match with Portugal’s Porto in the deciding game of the group stage on Dec. 13.
Porto finished second in Group H and advanced to the Champions League playoffs, while third-placed Shakhtar will continue in the Europa League where it will face French club Olympique de Marseille in a knockout round playoff.
We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!
Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
