Looking back, the World Cup campaign must be considered a resounding success despite the deep disappointment of failing to qualify for France '98. Ukraine certainly exceeded all expectations going into qualifying and together with Dynamo Kyiv's fabulously successful run in the UEFA Champions League this season, the players have given Ukraine and Ukrainians something to cheer about.

For me personally it was a fabulously wild trip, with exquisite highs and crushing lows, experiences both good and bad and memories both wonderful and painful as any good trip ought to. I look forward to my further travels to support Ukraine in the future. It was truly great fun supporting Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League despite their Quarter-Final loss to Italian giants Juventus. The 1-1 draw in Torino left Dynamo well positioned for a spot in the Semi-Finals, but Juventus well and truly disposed of our boys, downing them 1-4 in the return leg in Kyiv.  Dynamo fought bravely but the winter break did them no favours and they looked out of breath past the hour. 

Forthcoming on the calendar are the European Championships 2000, the first qualifying match pitting the Ukrainian National Team against their Russian counterparts for the first time ever.  The qualifying series kicks off September 5th in Kyiv and I will be there!  These diaries look to have a future beyond merely the World Cup qualifying campaign!

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