World Cup Qualification
Ukraine’s dream of participating in the World Cup in Qatar lives on after an emotional victory. The Ukrainians defeated hosts Scotland 3-1 (1-0) on Wednesday evening in the play-off semifinals at Glasgow’s Hampden Park, which were delayed due to the war. This means that on Sunday (6 p.m.) coach Oleksandar Petrakov’s team only has to face Wales. The Welsh had buried the hopes of Austria’s team with a 2-1 win in Cardiff at the end of March.
The Ukrainian players took to the field wrapped in a blue and yellow flag and passionately sang their national anthem. Although the Ukrainians started with six players who had not played a competitive game since December, the visitors clearly had the better moments before the break and were rewarded for their more active display in the 33rd minute. After an ideal Malinovsky pass into the run, Andriy Jarmolenko took the ball down briefly and then skilfully lifted the Scottish goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
Immediately after the restart, the preliminary decision seemed to have been made. After a Karawajew cross, striker Roman Yaremchuk (49th) headed in, he benefited from the fact that his opponents were not close enough. As the second half progressed, however, the hosts vehemently pushed for the next goal with the courage of desperation. That should have happened in the 67th minute, John McGinn headed wide from a great position. In addition, Che Adams failed at Georgij Buschtschan, McGinn’s follow-up shot was blocked (76th).
Goalie mistakes give Scotland hope
A blunder by Buschtschan brought the hosts back into the game a little later. First he palmed a cross too short, then he was unable to hold a shot by Callum McGregor from the box, the Ukrainian rescue attempt happened behind the line (79th). Despite efforts, the equalizer didn’t come and “Joker” Artem Dowbijk (95th) made everything clear in the finish.
Team boss Petrakow cheered exuberantly on the sidelines about the victory and let his emotions run free. This gives the Ukrainians reason to be happy, at least from a sporting point of view, in extremely difficult times due to the war with Russia. Scotland, on the other hand, have had to wait since 1998 to participate in the World Cup.
