A tearful Oleksandr Zinchenko said Ukraine will fight to bring the “incredible emotions” of World Cup qualification to people in their homeland when they face Scotland on Wednesday and that, while a return to peace is the overwhelming priority, the national team aim to fulfil a footballing dream.
Ukraine will play their first official match since Russia’s invasion of the country at Hampden Park, with the prize a place in the Qatar 2022 playoff final against Wales. Football has paled into insignificance since 24 February but Zinchenko was visibly emotional when, asked how he and his teammates have been able to prepare for the fixture, he explained the effect success on the pitch could have.
