Gareth Bale and Wales face a Ukraine team on a mission in World Cup play-off final

Shortly before kick-off at Hampden Park on Wednesday, air-raid sirens sounded in the Ukraine capital Kyiv. A warning that, although a distracting event, certain to capture widespread attention, was about to take place and bring collective joy to a nation at war, there could be no pause in the everyday vigilance that has become routine.

The citizens of Kyiv listened and watched their national team’s victory over Scotland in the semi-final of their World Cup play-off under curfew.

Only those who have left the country since the Russian invasion escalated in February could gather safely in large numbers to celebrate a 3-1 victory of exhilarating energy. There was a brief period of suspense in Glasgow, when Scotland reduced the arrears to 2-1 with 11 minutes left, but the night finished perfectly scripted for the away team, Ukraine’s third goal coming on the stroke of the final whistle.

That will be cherished as a sign of momentum going into Sunday’s final against Wales, the showdown for the last remaining European place in the Qatar World Cup.

If Ukraine are to be at football’s greatest festival, the most heartfelt hope would be that they do so as a nation at peace. If that is the case, the players will still be there as ambassadors for a country in need of international help in the post-conflict rebuild.

The win over Scotland was emotionally and physically draining. Ukraine coach Oleksandr Petrakov left undisguised the fact that his players were engaging both with a determined - but outclassed - opponent on the pitch and responsibilities to compatriots at home and in difficult exiles abroad.

“We want to make Ukrainians proud,” said Petrakov. “You have to keep in mind what they are enduring: people are being killed. The