The Death Match: Football, Resistance, and Myth in Nazi-Occupied Ukraine | Part One

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.

This week, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper delve into the harrowing tale of 'The Death Match,' a match played under Nazi occupation in Ukraine.

They explore the brutal conditions faced by Ukrainian footballers, the formation of a remarkable team, and the resonances with modern-day conflicts. In Part One, learn how football resurfaced amidst atrocities, with bakery manager Yosyp Kordyk forming a team from former stars. The discussions cover the political intricacies and personal tragedies, setting the stage for the match itself.

Join us for Part Two on Friday, where the details of the game itself and its far-reaching consequences are revealed.

00:00 Introduction to the Yard Brigade

00:26 Welcome to the Podcast

00:53 The Mythologized Football Match

02:44 Escape to Victory and Its Origins

04:16 Introducing Joseph Cordick

05:49 The Nazi Occupation of Kiev

07:37 The Struggles of Mik Trivi

14:21 The Fall of Kiev and Its Aftermath

25:51 Ukrainian Nationalism and Football Under Nazi Occupation

27:34 The Horrors of Nazi Occupation in Kyiv

29:43 Football as a Means of Normalization

30:32 Resistance and Brutality in Kyiv

31:30 Formation of the Start Football Team

33:06 The Struggles and Symbolism of Playing Football

37:16 The First Match and Its Consequences

39:09 The Complexities of Resistance and Collaboration

49:14 The Aftermath and Public Perception

51:07 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.