| Native Name: | Ukrainian: Як козаки у футбол грали |
| Director: | Volodymyr Dakhno |
| Cinematography: | Anatoliy Havrylov |
| Music: | Boris Buyevskyi |
| Studio: | Kyivnaukfilm |
| Runtime: | 17 min 33 sec |
| Country: | Ukrainian SSR→Ukraine |
How the Cossacks Played Football is an animated comedy short film from the Kyivnaukfilm studio, released in 1970, it is one of the most famous episode and the second story in the "Cossacks" series.[1]
The animated film begins with the Cossacks awaiting the return of Gray, Oko, and Tur from London. Upon their return, they not only share stories about the city but also introduce a game they witnessed there — football. The Cossack troop then starts training to win the football championship cup in England. The three Cossacks, who taught others the basics of football, gather a team and head West to the accompaniment of the Cossack March, leaving their weapons at home.
The Cossacks play in three European countries. The first, unnamed country is indicated by the scoreboard displaying the word "Knights" during the score presentation, presumably representing players from medieval Germany. Initially, the Cossacks struggle to break through the knights' defense, dressed in armor. They counter the knights with agility, playing in a way that prevents their opponents from intercepting the ball.
In France, they play against musketeers in a palace. The musketeers elegantly pass the ball to each other, but the Cossacks rely on lively pressure based on the movements of the Ukrainian folk dance Hopak and win the match.
The match in England takes place in London. Initially, the field is soaked due to rain, and the English stand on small islands, passing the ball between them. Tur then hits the ball into the clouds, stopping the rain. The field dries up, allowing the Cossacks to quickly outplay the English. The English queen reluctantly presents them with the cup, which the Cossacks bring home.