In the play-off semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup European Qualifications, Ukraine defeated Scotland 3-1 and made their mark in the play-off final.
Ukraine, which had a hard time due to the Russian occupation that started on February 24 and wanted to boost morale, got what it wanted in Hampden Park.
The match was postponed due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and was moved to 1 June by UEFA.
Ukraine took Scotland to the final with goals from Andriy Yarmolenko, Roman Yaremchuk and Artem Dovbyk. Callum McGregor scored Scotland’s only goal.
Ukraine thus became the opponent of Wales in the play-off final. With the final match to be played at Cardiff City Stadium on June 5 at 19.00, the last team from Europe to go to the 2022 World Cup, which will be hosted by Qatar, will be determined.
The winner of the match to be played between Wales and Ukraine will be the opponents of England, Iran and the USA in Group B in the 2022 World Cup.
emotional moments
The moments when the Ukrainian national anthem was sung before the match and the team’s debut were historically significant for the Ukrainians, who had traumatic days due to the war.
Banners with the words “No to War” and “Ukraine” were reflected on the cameras in the stands, while the slogan on the side of the field reflected the atmosphere of the match: “Ukraine’s freedom could not be destroyed. Luck will continue to smile at us – Ukrainians.”
Zinchenko: Ukraine will never give up
The player of the match was Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Zinchenko burst into tears while talking about the invasion of Ukraine at his pre-match press conference.
Zinchenko said that what is happening in his country is unacceptable and said:
“The Ukrainians want only one thing, and that is the end of the war. The only dream of all of them is the end of the war. The Ukrainian team has their own dream: we want to go to the World Cup and make the Ukrainians experience this great pride. Because the Ukrainians deserve it.