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Ukraine victorious in emotional World Cup qualifier

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Ukraine has defeated Scotland 3-1 in their first competitive match since Russia’s invasion

Ukraine is one win away from securing a spot in the 2022 World Cup after beating Scotland in Glasgow.

The nation will face Wales on Sunday, with the winner progressing to the finals tournament in Qatar.

Artem Dovbyk sealed his sides win with the last kick of the match, after goals from Andriy Yarmolenko and Roman Yaremchuk set up the victory.

https://twitter.com/OptusSport/status/1532150250110001152

The majority of Ukraine’s starting 11 hadn’t played a competitive match since December, as the country’s national league was suspended due to the ongoing conflict.

Following the final whistle, Ukrainian players celebrated with a 3,500 strong group of fans.

Earlier in the emotion-packed evening, Scottish fans cheered and joined in with the Ukrainian anthem before the match.

Ukraine’s head coach, Oleksandr Petrakov, dedicated the victory to people at home in Ukraine.

“This victory was not for me, was not for the team, it was for our country,”

UkrainE’S head coach, oleksandr petrokov

“We played for those who fight in trenches, who fight with their last drop of blood. We also play for people at home who are suffering every day,” he says.

The result is a blow to Scotland who have once again failed to make the World Cup. The football-mad nation’s last appearance in the tournament was 1998.

Bryan Hoadley contributed to this report

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