Two games between Scotland and the latest chapter in their redemption story at international level. Victory over Ukraine, with plenty to spare after a superb second-half display, catapulted Scotland to the top of their Nations League group.
Two points from the last two games – the Republic of Ireland are in Glasgow on Saturday before the Scots face Ukraine, again in Krakow on Tuesday – will seal top spot in Group B1. Ukraine’s soccer team continues to do their nation proud amid tragic circumstances at home, but it was a second best here. For Scotland, against such credible opposition, this was a complete success. The scoreline did not flatter Steve Clarke’s men in any way.
“It was a good performance and we’re very happy with it, but we have to go and restart on Saturday,” said the Scotland manager. “We want to do justice to ourselves on Saturday.”
Memories of Ukraine’s previous visit to Hampden Park linger in Glasgow. In an emotional night, Oleksandr Petrakov’s side progressed to the World Cup final against Wales. The match had been delayed from March to June following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
While Ukraine were popular winners at the time, the defeat was painful for Scotland. Clarke dispensed with a three-man defense for this clash, suggesting lessons had been learned. The decision was made easier by Andy Robertson’s unavailability – three were deployed at the back so he and Kieran Tierney can both play – but this was a notable change. It allowed Scott McTominay to return to midfield; an area in which Ukraine had considerable joy three months ago. Crucially, Petrakov was unable to call up Oleksandr Zinchenko for the Nations League tie due to injury.
A minute’s applause for the late Queen Elizabeth II, Patron of the Scottish Federation, was punctured by audible boos from a section of the home support. The atmosphere afterwards was soft, strange for a match of this magnitude. The Nations League offers Scotland a prime opportunity to progress to major tournaments, highlighted by their journey to Euro 2020.
Dykes celebrates adding his second goal during the win. Photograph: Russell Cheyne/Reuters
Things on the pitch were tame too, until Che Adams tested Ukraine goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin with a drive after 10 minutes. That sparked a decent Scotland spell, Ryan Christie’s pass narrowly evading Adams before Stuart Armstrong stung Trubin’s palms with a fierce shot.
Scotland were dealt a blow in the 25th minute when Everton star Nathan Patterson 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 lacked bite in the final third. A similar description need not apply to Valeriy Bondar, who finished off Adams as he raced towards goal in first-half stoppage time. It was a more fitting move for the WWF.
Scotland’s bright start to the second period was bereft of chances until Armstrong fired over the crossbar. McTominay, enjoying a fine evening, created the chance for the Southampton man with some clever footwork. Aaron Hickey saw a low drive from 20 yards deflected wide. With half an hour to play, Hampden sensed that Ukraine were beginning to wilt. The woodwork saved the visitors after Adams met a John McGinn cross with his head. With another headbutt, Adams forced Trubin to save with his left boot.
Just when this was looking like one of those nights, McGinn scored the goal Scotland thoroughly deserved. There was an element of luck at the back, Adams had a shot blocked before Tierney’s pass was deflected hugely into the path of his team-mate. Still, McGinn showed fantastic strength to hold off Bondar before curling a shot into the bottom left corner of Trubin’s net.
That Ukraine could barely keep the ball was a 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 corner kicks from the left on both occasions saw Dykes jump higher. Roll on Saturday, which promises to offer quite a scene.