On June 1, Ukraine national team played the long-awaited 2022 World Cup qualification first play-off match.
It took place at the Hampden Park in Glasgow, where our players were greeted by incredible atmosphere. Before the game, Scottish and Ukrainian fans sang the national anthem of Ukraine together.
Four FC Dynamo Kyiv players were among the Ukraine first eleven – goalkeeper Heorhiy Bushchan, defenders Illia Zabarnyi, Olexandr Karavayev and winger Viktor Tsyhankov. Serhiy Sydorchuk, Olexandr Syrota and Mykola Shaparenko were substitutes.
photo bbc.com
Ukrainians started the match confidently and created their first chance in the 17th minute. Andriy Yarmolenko appeared in front of the goal and attempted from close range, but keeper Craig Gordon saved his team.
Still in the 34th minute even he was helpless as, after fabulous pass from Malynovskyi, Yarmolenko obtained the ball and sent it over the goalkeeper.
Early in the second half, Olexandr Petrakov’s men increased the lead. Illia Zabarnyi rushed forward and passed to Yarmolenko. Andriy found Karavayev, who crossed it into the penalty area, where Yaremchuk headed the ball in.
photo uefa.com
After a number of substitutions, home side seized the initiative for a while and created several opportunities. Ukraine responded with the shot by Tsyhankov in the 70th minute. In a minute Viktor was substituted by Mykola Shaparenko.
Anyway, the game wasn’t done yet. 79 minutes in to the match, Bushchan cleared the ball away, but McGregor was the first to shoot and made it 1:2.
Final minutes were very intense. Artem Dovbyk had a great chance, but didn’t use one-on-one situation after great long ball from Mykhailo Mudryk.
Olexandr Petrakov made another substitution in a stoppage time – Serhiy Sydorchuk took the field. Anyway, not only did Ukraine preserve the score, but made it 1:3. Dovbyk succeeded in the fifth added minute!
Now, to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar, Ukrainians need to beat Wales in Cardiff on June 5.
2022 World Cup play-off. Semifinal
Scotland – Ukraine – 1:3
Ukraine: Bushchan, Mykolenko, Matviyenko, Zabarnyi, Karavayev, Stepanenko (Sydorchuk, 90+3), Malynovskyi (Shaparenko, 72), Zinchenko, Tsyhankov (Mudryk, 72), Yarmolenko (c) (Zubkov, 79), Yaremchuk (Dovbyk, 79).
Goals: McGregor (79) – Yarmolenko (33), Yaremchuk (49), Dovbyk (90+5)
Photo dailyrecord.co.uk
