Thousands of Ukrainian fans have gathered at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin this evening, as the Republic of Ireland football team take on Ukraine in the UEFA Nations League.
The FAI has given 3,500 free tickets to Ukrainian supporters.
Ukrainian refugees who are staying at the Tiglin|Coolnagreina centre in Wicklow are among those attending tonight's game.
Today, they said they were looking forward to supporting their home team.
Nine-year-old twins David and Mark Sytnyk are unsure who will win, but say they are hoping for a Ukraine victory.
"We don't know maybe for Ukraine a win," they said.
Ireland has become a safe haven for Ukrainians fleeing the horrors of war.
Katerina Urmanova explained why she was forced to leave her home city.
"I left when I saw the Russian ship on the horizon. They came to my city and right now they are bombing my city," she said.
Ukrainian fans received a warm welcome from Boys in Green supporters in Dublin tonight.
Aubrey McCarthy, Tiglin’s voluntary chair, said it was an important day for Ukrainians living in Ireland.
"Today is a special day because it’s their national football team coming to our area … the excitement is real. It’s intense and we are going to have a party."
After failing to qualify for the World Cup last week, Ukrainian supporters are pinning their hopes on a win tonight.
Katerina said: "I should say friendship of course, but I hope it will be Ukraine."
As war rages in their country, the match is providing a glimpse of better days ahead for Ukrainians.
