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.