Szewczenko and Dudek in a single team

Andrij Szewczenko and Jerzy Dudek were among those arguing in favour of the Poland-Ukraine bid during the final presentation in Cardiff. During announcement of the presentation by those two stars of world football, a film was screened showing the famous defence by Dudek of the penalty by Szewczenko during a match between Liverpool and AC Milan.

- For me this is an extremely symbolic event that Andrij and me are standing together on this stage. We know that miracles do happen if you have genuine faith in victory. In 2005, Andrij and me met at the final stage of the Champions League. At that time nobody believed that Liverpool could win against Milan. In mid-match many fans simply went asleep. We went on playing. We had faith in ourselves and we did something many might consider impossible. We won! At that time Andrij and me played against each other. Next week we will play in opposing teams again, when Liverpool stands against Chelsea in semi-finals of the Champions League; but today in Cardiff – and I am truly happy about it – we represent joint interests. Interest of two countries united by a single dream –Jerzy Dudek said.

- As you know I played for many years in Italy. When I came there first time I was told everyday: „For Italians football is much more than just football”. Everybody knows about it. But very few people in Europe are aware of the fact that neither in Ukraine nor in Poland there is a single family to be found that might imagine their lives without football. – Szewczenko recapitulated.

17th April 2007