Ukraine will fight to be in the World Cup in Qatar on Sunday in Wales. He will do so after obtaining victory in Scotland in a match of special relevance, the first he has played since the war with Russia began. The Ukrainians clearly prevailed in Glasgow and at the end of the match all the players went to celebrate the victory with the 2,200 fans from their country present in the stands.
They had not played an official match together since November. There were already tensions between Russia and Ukraine at the time, but nothing foreshadowed the imminence of a large-scale war. However, the armed conflict broke out, many of the footballers became inactive due to the suspension of competitions and life in their country changed completely. That is why they came out onto the pitch at Hampden Park in Glasgow, wrapped in the Ukrainian flag and with national pride higher than ever. The players of the Ukrainian national team played against Scotland for half a ticket to try to be in the World Cup in Qatar, but more than that, they defended a land that is in danger, with thousands and thousands of displaced countrymen and without knowing when they will return. Like the 2,200 Ukrainians present in the Scottish stands. “This is more than a match, the most difficult match of our lives. The soldiers want us to qualify”, the coach, Oleksandr Petrakov, had said the day before.
Many of the 21 players on the list had barely played in recent games because of the war. They had concentrated on Slovenia and had played three friendly matches against clubs like Borussia Mönchengladbach or Rijeka to prepare for the clash.
But several of its players, the most outstanding, did have a competitive rhythm. These are Zinchenko (Manchester City), Yarmolenko (who is going to leave West Ham) and Malinovskyi (Atalanta). Between the three of them they put together the cue for a limited Scotland. Starting with Zinchenko. The winger, who plays more advanced with Ukraine, was a devil for the Scots between the lines. His was the first chance of the match, with a shot in the area that goalkeeper Gordon repelled. The same goalkeeper then providentially blocked an excellent opportunity from Yarmolenko and later thwarted a Zinchenko shot that contained poison. Ukraine moved with more purpose, more ardor and more ball, while Scotland, despite playing at home, was more contemplative and expectant.
He would pay for it after half an hour when Malinovskyi pulled a phenomenal serve out of his hat behind the British defence. Over there, in free space, Yarmolenko appeared to make a beautiful control and raise the ball over Gordon. A full-fledged goal that advanced Ukraine (33), which delighted the visiting public and brought the Ukrainians closer to playing for the World Cup against Wales.
A Scottish reaction was to be expected but what came only to kick off the restart was Ukraine's second goal. An accurate header to the far post by Benfica striker Yaremchuk (49) after Karavaev's cross from the right increased the Ukrainian lead. Yaremchuk went like a man possessed to the back where his fans were to celebrate.
That was already taking overtones of recital because Ukraine did not stop attacking and Scotland, which had not even finished between sticks, was the living picture of impotence.
Only after the hour did the Scots wake up, against a rival who gave some sign of fatigue. McGinn then missed Scotland's clearest chance, sending a free header wide. That opportunity gave flight to the premises, which squeezed beautifully. Until McGregor closed the gap in minute 79 after a poor start by goalkeeper Bushchan. However, the scare for Ukraine did not go beyond that and Dovbyk sentenced the counterattack in the 95th minute. The Ukrainians will fight to be in the World Cup on Sunday in Wales. With great pride.
