The Start players were certainly aware before the game that it was in their interest to lose the match. Despite this, by half time F.C Start had come from a goal down to lead 3-1, and the referee returned to ask the players “to think of the consequences” of winning the match. However by the end of the game Start led 5-3, and as the crowd went wild, one of the Start players, it is said, dribbled his way through the opposition defense, rounded the German keeper, and rather than slotting the ball home, turned and kicked the ball straight back towards the center circle. The referee did not even allow the match to reach 90 minutes, out of fear of further embarrassment for the Luftwaffe side.
There are numerous myths that surround the events that took place after the game, but it is thought that the team was broken up shortly after and the players were sent to various work camps, such was the regime.
The heroism of these eleven men was seen as a beacon of hope to the people of Kiev throughout the Nazi occupation, and their courage and bravery is commemorated today. In 1981 the Zenit Stadium, still home of Dynamo Kiev was renamed Start Stadium, and a monument was placed, with the inscription:
“For our beautiful presence
They fell in a fight…
For ages your glory won’t fade,
The fearless hero-athletes.”
The playing record of F.C Start reads, played 9, won 9, scored 58 and conceded 10.
This article was written by Matthew Hines and is courtesy of our partner website thisisfutbol.com. Read the latest news and blogs about European Football at TiF. – ed
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