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Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
Sport
Kevin Baxter

More than just a game: World Cup qualifier is 'like a moment of hope' for Ukraine

Shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Oleksandr Petrakov showed up at a military enlistment office in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, and asked for a weapon.

"I am 64 but I felt it was normal to do this," Petrakov told a reporter from the Guardian a month later. "I think I could take two or three enemies out."

The territorial defense force thanked him but declined the offer since Petrakov had no military experience. As manager of Ukraine's national soccer team, he was needed elsewhere.

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