Ukraine beat Scotland 2-1 to setup a playoff final against Wales for the Qatar World Cup. It was an emotional return to international football for the Ukrainians but they did not let the emotions get into their head at kick off.
Andriy Yarmolenko gave the Ukranians the lead in the 33rd minute with an impeccable finish. Roman Yaremchuck doubled the lead with a beautiful header in the 49th minute. Callum McGregor pulled one back for the Scots in the 79th minute but it was not enought to muster a comeback.
Ukraine would face Wales on the 5th of June for a spot in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
🔴 LIVE BLOG
GOAL! Scotland 1-2 Ukraine
It’s a scrappy, scrappy goal but none of the Scottish players care. Bushchan is charged down by Scott McTominay and he flaps the ball away. John McGinn tries to control it but tips it to the edge of the box where Callum McGregor smokes a shot at goal. Bushchan spills the ball once again and it bursts through his hands before bouncing into the net. Stepanenko throws himself at the ball and boots it clear but the referee gets word that the ball crossed the line and Scotland are back in the game!
GOAL! Scotland 0-2 Ukraine
Massive goal! Illya Zabarnyi steps up through midfield and brings the ball down the inside right channel before passing it to Yarmolenko and continuing into the box. Yarmolenko lays the ball off to Karavaev who swings a cross to the back post. Yaremchuk peels away from Hickey, meets the ball in the air and guides his header into the bottom corner!
Second Half
We’re back under way in the second half! Scotland need to find a response if they’re going to get to Qatar.
Half-time
Andriy Yarmolenko put Ukraine in front with his 45th goal for his country! As it stands Ukraine will be playing Wales for a place in the World Cup. A big 45 minutes coming up next.
Goal! Scotland 0-1 Ukraine
Yarmolenko springs offside trap to lift opener over Gordon.
Kick Off
Scotland get the ball rolling at Hampden Park. They boot the ball over to the right wing and win an early throw in. The ball is sent towards the box where it’s won by the visitors who look to break forward on the counter-attack. Ukraine carry the ball into Scotland’s half but Andy Robertson is back to cover and comes away with the ball for the hosts.
The Ukrainian team are ready in the tunnel. Each player is draped in a Ukrainian flag as they walk out onto the pitch. There’s a deafening roar and cheer as the teams set out at Hampden Park.
There are 3,000 Ukrainian fans inside the stadium tonight. Most, if not all, of them are waving flags from the stands.
The Ukrainian national anthem starts playing. The players stand shoulder to shoulder and sing the song of their country.
Apex Football News 