Ukraine

Ukraine, the Yellow-Blues, emerged as an independent footballing nation after 1991 and quickly made their mark, powered for years by the legendary Andriy Shevchenko. Resilient and technically gifted, Ukrainian football has become a source of immense national pride, especially in difficult times.

Ukraine reached the quarterfinals on their World Cup debut in 2006, with Shevchenko leading them past Switzerland on penalties before a defeat to eventual champions Italy — their only appearance to date. Despite producing strong sides and reaching qualifying playoffs since, they have been unable to return to the finals. Ukraine continue to chase a second World Cup appearance while carrying the hopes of a nation through adversity.