Ukraine beat Scotland to edge closer to Qatar World Cup

The World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final was delayed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier in 2022, but Oleksandr Petrakov’s side were deserved victors at Hampden Park despite Georgi Bushchan’s blunder setting up a grandstand finish.

Scotland boss Steve Clarke said he was “desperate” to reach the World Cup despite Ukraine’s hardship, yet his team could not match the intensity shown by the visitors until late in the match, after Bushchan had fumbled Callum McGregor’s shot over the line.

But Ukraine held onto their lead – given to them either side of half-time by Andriy Yarmolenko and Roman Yaremchuk – with Artem Dovbyk adding a third in stoppage time, and now only Wales stand in their way of a place in Qatar.

Craig Gordon twice came to Scotland’s rescue early on, first tipping over Viktor Tsygankov’s strike before smothering Yarmolenko’s close-range effort, but Ukraine made a deserved breakthrough in the 33rd minute 

Having beat Scotland’s offside trap, Yarmolenko controlled Ruslan Malinovskiy’s lofted pass brilliantly before lofting a neat finish over the onrushing Gordon.

It was 2-0 four minutes after the restart – Yaremchuk heading home from Oleksandr Karavaev’s right-wing cross after Scotland failed to clear their lines from a free-kick.

Ukraine almost gifted Scotland a way back into proceedings by overplaying at the back, with Bushchan’s clearance slicing wide off McGregor.

John McGinn headed wide to let Bushchan off the hook for another error, but Ukraine’s goalkeeper was punished when he failed to catch McGregor’s poor shot.

Despite Scotland’s pressure, Ukraine finished things off in injury time – Dovbyk, who had missed two glorious chances, making it third time lucky to ensure victory.

What does it mean? World Cup heartbreak rolls on for Scotland

This was the fifth time Ukraine have competed in a World Cup qualifying play-off tie, but the first time they have progressed.

Scotland had not played a World Cup qualifying play-off match since 1985, when they faced Australia for a place at the 1986 World Cup and progressed 2-0 on aggregate. However, they have not featured at a World Cup finals since 1998, and that run will be extended to at least 28 years after this latest failure.

Yarmolenko might not have ever hit his top potential, but his experience and quality was clear to see from his position out on the right flank.

He has now scored 45 goals for his country, and is only three behind Ukraine’s all-time top scorer, Andriy Shevchenko (48), who was watching on from the stands.

Bushchan had not had too much to do prior to almost gifting Scotland a goal with a rushed clearance. He subsequently failed to collect what was a poor cross, parrying it straight to McGinn, yet with most of the goal to aim at, the Aston Villa midfielder directed his header wide.

But Ukraine’s goalkeeper was clearly nervous and his attempt at stopping McGregor’s effort was dismal. Fortunately for the 28-year-old – who did not make a single successful claim – Scotland lacked the quality to claw another one back.

Ukraine now focus on their crucial tie with Wales, with a place in Qatar – and a group that includes the United States, Iran and England – up for grabs. Scotland host Armenia on June 8 in their opening Nations League match.