Have just finished reading "Dynamo" by Andy Dougan, which is based on a factory football team in Kiev in WW2 that was made up of former professionals before the war, mostly from Dynamo Kiev, but also from Lokomotiv.
I know the "myth" is known quite widely, that they embarassed the Germans in a football match and were subsequently arrested and murdered. Although that was the version peddled by the Soviets after the war, its not quite the actual story which is much more complex and longer, although 4 of the 11 were subsequently murdered by the Nazis.
Anyway, has anyone ever read the book? I would strongly recommend it to anyone if they haven't, a really good read and really shocking some of the brutality shown by the Nazis toward the Ukrainians in general, and the terrible atrocities committed at Babi Yar just outside of Kiev.
Incidentally, the 1981 film "Escape to Victory" which featured Pele, Bobby Moore and half of the Ipswich team was loosely based on the legend of the Death Match. |  |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.