'This victory was for Ukraine, not me or the players' - manager Petrakov dedicates World Cup play-off win

Ukraine manager Oleksandr Petrakov dedicated his side's World Cup play-off semi-final win over Scotland to those involved in the war back home.

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 at at Hampden Park, 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.

Petrakov said: "I have no emotions, they were all left on the pitch. This victory was not for me or the players, this victory was for Ukraine.

"We did everything for the people we played for, for the armed forces in the trenches and in the hospitals, who give their last drop of blood, those in Ukraine who suffer every day. They will thank us and we will give them our gratitude.

"God forbid this tragedy would not touch any of you. But you have to bear in mind what the Ukrainians are going through. Women and children being killed by the Russians on a daily basis."

Petrakov also paid tribute to the hosts.

He said: "Also I give my gratitude to the people of Scotland – an amazing, hospitable place.

"I was walking in Glasgow yesterday and some Scottish people were wishing me well and so thank you Scotland, we will never forget."

Steve Clarke said his players were "suffering" after their 2022 World Cup dream ended.

The Scotland boss, who now has to get his squad ready