Scotland took a step towards winning Group 1 of League B after beating Ukraine 3–0 at Hampden Park.
Captain goes first: McGuin of Scotland scores the goal against Ukraine.
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While coach Steve Clarke made three changes for Scotland compared to the previous international in the Nations League (4–1 in Armenia) – McKenna, Tierney and Christie started for Hanley, Taylor and Gilmour – Oleksandr Petrakov compared Ukraine to did a business in In mid-June, Ireland were drawn 1–1 six times. Among other things, Arsenal player Zinchenko (calf injury) was missing. One of the newcomers to the starting XI was Mudrik, whose move to Bayer Leverkusen did not materialize in the summer.
Only one chance – Patterson gets injured
Only in the beginning did Ukraine show itself to be a little more energetic. But then the Scots quickly came into play – as they developed a bit more traction towards the target and jumped to conclusions, at least occasionally. Armstrong had the best of the first half, but Trubin saved his shot (22′). Bad luck for the hosts shortly afterwards: Patterson, an Everton supporter, had to leave the field in the 26th minute with an injury to his left knee. Hickey got into the game.
But there was still excitement in the first half. Bonder cleared Adams with a rustic check before half-time, ready to score. Then both players had to be treated, Bondar saw the yellow card (45th).
Superior Scots reward themselves
After the restart, only the Scots played, who created better and better chances against the still defunct Ukrainians. Armstrong and Adams were thwarted in their attempts by Trubin (59′, 64′), with Adams hitting the bottom edge of the crossbar with his head (64′) seconds before the first attempt. But then it was time. Fit luck, the ball came to McGinn in the 70th minute, who made it 1-0 with a shot in the low.
After that, we continued to move towards the Ukrainian goal. The Scots made it 2–0 in the 80th minute, after a co-production by Dykes and Fraser, who had just come in as a substitute. Dykes carried the ball neatly with a corner kick from the left. Curious: A few minutes later, 3-0 almost fell in a replay of the second Scottish goal. Fraser delivered a corner from the left, where Dykes topped and hit again in the right corner for the final score.
Scotland, who now lead Group 1 in League B of the League of Nations ahead of Ukraine, will play Ireland again at home next Saturday (20:45). As for Ukraine, things continue a few hours earlier (3 PM) in Armenia.
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