Scotland’s 3-0 victory against Ukraine on Wednesday in Glasgow strengthened their chances for promotion to the Nations League and provided some payback.
Despite controlling a one-sided match at Hampden Park, Steve Clarke’s team had to wait until the last 20 minutes to score.
John McGinn’s goal and two goals from Lyndon Dykes gave them the victory and put them atop Group B1.
Then, in an emotional World Cup playoff at Hampden Park in June, Ukraine defeated Scotland 3-1.
This was a cathartic outcome, even if it was one that Clarke’s players would have preferred to have four months earlier. Their failure to qualify for the first World Cup since 1998 still bothers them.
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As they lost to Wales in the playoffs, Ukraine’s ambitions of bringing a rare moment of humor to their war-torn country by winning the World Cup were ultimately crushed.
Ukraine, a pale imitation of the club that defeated Scotland in the playoffs, offered no opposition as Scotland won three of their four Nations League games.
In their pursuit of League A promotion, the Scots have surpassed Ukraine to take the group’s lead.
Although some mock the league, Scotland is fully aware of its significance after qualifying for the Euro 2020 playoff by winning their Nations League group.
Scotland will host the Republic of Ireland on Saturday before their final group matches in Ukraine on September 27.
“I’m happy for the athletes. They experienced the most suffering throughout the summer “said Clarke.
“In the little time we had, we completed a lot of tedious work in the lecture hall, and they retained everything. They were outstanding.
It’s beautiful that we replied in this manner because you sometimes need to react in football.
Dykes continued: “Naturally, I was sad that I didn’t start the game because I wanted to make an impression. The supervisor accompanied Che (Adams).
“But I entered the game, altered it, scored twice, and we earned three points, so that’s wonderful,” the player said.
Following a minute of applause to honor Queen Elizabeth II’s passing before kickoff, Scotland could have grabbed the lead right away when Che Adams fired directly at Ukraine goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.
Moments later, Adams nearly missed converting Ryan Christie’s cross before McGinn flicked Nathan Patterson’s pass wide.
Ukraine was held back by Scotland’s quick start, and opportunities kept coming.
Stuart Armstrong crossed the ball, and Christie headed it over. Armstrong then forced a shaky save from Trubin.