Ukraine defeated Scotland 3-1 in a World Cup playoff semifinal at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Wednesday, despite a preparation unlike any other for an international football match.
The dramatic triumph, which took many yellow and blue-clad Ukrainian supporters to tears, puts Ukraine only one win away from qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
The playoff match on Wednesday was initially set for March, but it was postponed due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. To qualify for the World Cup, Ukraine must defeat Wales in the playoff final on Sunday in Cardiff.
The visitors had stated before the game that they wanted to improve morale in their nation throughout the conflict, and they were able to do so thanks to goals from Andriy Yarmolenko and Roman Yaremchuk.
Ukraine was forced to suffer even more in the second half as Callum McGregor scored with just 10 minutes remaining, but the visitors added a third goal in stoppage time when Artem Dovbyk raced away to seal a miraculous triumph.
Because staying in Ukraine was too risky, the team has been practising in Slovenia since May 1 in preparation for the game on Wednesday. Ukraine’s last competitive match was in November, before to their match against Scotland.
“I am emotionless. On the football field, I’ve left all of my emotions. This win was for our nation, not for me or the players “After the game, Ukraine’s tired head coach Oleksandr Petrakov told reporters.
“We performed for those who battle in trenches, for those who fight to the death. Yes, we made a little step toward our larger goal. We still have the Wales game to play, and we’ll give it our all. We, the Ukrainians, are immensely proud of our country.”
