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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Walker

Scotland warned they face 'the whole planet' as Ukraine star predicts global backing in World Cup play off

Scotland have been told the "whole planet" will be supporting Ukraine when the teams finally meet in a World Cup play-off semi-final.

Steve Clarke 's side are awaiting a date to play the war-torn nation after the tie was postponed in the aftermath of Russia's invasion.

UEFA are expected to finalise a slot in June to have the fixture played as Wales await the winner in the final for the ultimate prize of a place at Qatar 2022.

Ukraine have been offered training facilities in Poland with the majority of their domestic-based players already out of their homeland as the brutal war rages on - and 16 of them haven't played competitively since November.

But 47-times capped Dynamo Kyiv star Serhiy Sydorchuk reckons sheer determination to play for their country will overcome anything as he issued a warning for Scotland.

He said: "I can't wait to play in Glasgow. The clubs in Ukraine are back training and we need to get our preparations ready with the national team too.

"At stake for us is a chance to play in Qatar at the World Cup to represent Ukraine. When we play the play-offs, the whole planet will be supporting us.

"We are extremely motivated. Even my manager, Mircea Lucescu, has repeatedly told us that our training in Romania is ultimately to help the national team.

"And I can state that I have never felt such a sense of responsibility before a football match than when I next play for my country.

"Our game in Glasgow is for the whole of Ukraine."

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