Steve Clarke says Scotland are ‘suffering’ but must not forget progress

Steve Clarke said his Scotland players were “suffering” after their 2022 World Cup dream ended in devastation with a 3-1 defeat by Ukraine in their play-off semi-final at Hampden Park.

Worldwide attention was on the game due to Russia’s invasion of their neighbours in February but when the focus turned from the emotion surrounding the game to football, it was Ukraine who came up trumps starting with a goal in the 33rd minute from skipper Andriy Yarmolenko.

Roman Yaremchuk doubled that lead three minutes after the break and, although midfielder Callum McGregor pulled a goal back for the Scots in the 79th minute, Ukraine substitute Artem Dovbyk drove in a breakaway third in added time to book a place against Wales in the play-off final in Cardiff on Sunday where a spot in Qatar is up for grabs.

The Scotland boss, who now has to get his squad ready for the Nations League opener against Armenia at Hampden Park next week, said: “The first thing you have to do is suffer together.

Congratulations to Ukraine