Two points from their final two games – the Republic of Ireland are in Glasgow on Saturday before the Scots face Ukraine, and again in Krakow on Tuesday – would seal top spot in Group B1. Ukraine’s football team continue to do their country proud amid dire conditions at home, but were clearly second best here. For Scotland, against such credible opposition, this was a successful success. The scoreline was in no way flattering for Steve Clarke’s men. “It was a good performance and we’re really happy with it, but we have to go and reset for Saturday,” said the Scotland manager. “We want to do ourselves justice on Saturday.” Memories of Ukraine’s previous visit to Hampden Park linger in Glasgow. In a night full of raw emotion, Oleksandr Petrakov’s side advanced to the World Cup play-off final against Wales. The match had been delayed from March to June following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While Ukraine were hugely popular winners then, the defeat was painful for Scotland. Clarke avoided a three-man defense for that clash, suggesting lessons had been learned. The decision was made easier by Andy Robertson’s unavailability – a back three had been deployed so he and Kieran Tierney could both play – but it was still a notable change. It allowed Scott McTominay to return to midfield. an area in which Ukraine had great joy three months ago. Crucially, Petrakov could not call up Oleksandr Zinchenko for the Nations League tie due to injury. A thin ovation for the late Queen Elizabeth II, patron of the Scottish FA, was punctuated by audible boos from a section of the home support. The atmosphere afterwards was subdued, strange for a match of this magnitude. The Nations League offers Scotland a great opportunity to progress to major competitions, highlighted by their trip to Euro 2020. Dykes celebrates by adding his second goal during the win. Photo: Russell Cheyne/Reuters Things on the pitch were also tame, until Che Adams tested Ukraine goalkeeper Anatoly Trubin with a 10th-minute drive. That sparked a decent spell for Scotland, Ryan Christie’s pass narrowly eluding Adams before Stuart Armstrong stung Trubin’s palms with a powerful shot. Scotland were dealt a blow in the 25th minute when Nathan Patterson, who has excelled for Everton, was forced off after injuring his ankle in an awkward landing. Patterson left the field on a stretcher. “It doesn’t look good,” Clarke said later. Scotland were the stronger team in the first half but did not stand strong in the final third. A similar description need not apply to Valeriy Bondar, who obliterated Adams as he raced towards the goal during first-half stoppage time. It was a move more fitting for the WWF. Scotland’s bright start to the second period was devoid of chances until Armstrong hit the post. McTominay, enjoying a fine night, created the chance for the Southampton man with some good footwork. Aaron Hickey followed up with a low drive from 20 yards that was deflected wide. With half an hour to play, Hampden felt that Ukraine were beginning to wilt. The woodwork saved the visitors after Adams headed home a John McGinn cross. With another header, Adams forced Trubin into a save with his left boot. Just when this was looking like one of those nights, McGinn scored the goal Scotland deserved. There was an element of luck behind it, Adams had a shot blocked before Tierney’s pass took a huge deflection into his team-mate’s path. However, McGinn showed tremendous strength to hold off Bondar before firing a shot into the bottom left corner of Trubin’s net. That Ukraine could barely keep hold of the ball was testament to Scotland’s struggles. Clarke introduced Ryan Fraser to try and claim a second goal and with good reason to believe Scotland could find one. In the script, the Newcastle winger set up fellow substitute Lyndon Dykes for the second and third goals. Fraser’s corners from the left on both occasions saw Dykes leap higher. Roll on Saturday, which promises to deliver quite the scene.
