Scotland defeat Ukraine with a superb second-half showing

Scotland put in a superb performance to see of Ukraine with a 3-0 victory that sees them now top their Nations League table with two games left to play.

Action: It was just over three months since Ukraine dashed Scotland’s World Cup hopes in what was an emotional game at Hampden Park in which the visitors won 3-1.

You would forgive Scotland for not being completely focused on that game but there was a very different team at Hampden this time.

Indeed, the home side had the first opportunity on goal after just ten minutes when Che Adams did well to cut in on his right side but his shot was fired straight at goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin. Minutes later, Nathan Patterson sent in a fine cross that John McGinn headed just wide.

That early momentum was curtailed after 25 minutes when Patterson, who started well, was stretchered off. The scenes will be concerning for Everton fans to see as Brentford’s Aaron Hickey took his place in defence.

Scotland were furious that Ukraine weren’t down to ten men just before the break. Che Adams was set to run through on goal when he was cynically stopped by Valeriy Bondar. While Bondar wasn’t the last man, the aggression in the tackle is what incensed the home fans the most and Adams is likely to be very sore in the morning.

Steve Clark’s team were back to their best in the second half and had a series of chances before they eventually made the breakthrough.

First, Kieran Tierney played the ball back for Stuart Armstrong but the Southampton man could only fire his low effort straight to the goalkeeper. Armstrong had another chance soon after, this time McTominay’s back heel set up the forward, who this time went with power instead of placement and saw his effort fly over.

Next, it was Adams’ turn to miss two chances, the first a header that bounced off the bar and the second another header that was well-saved by the feet of Trubin.

©Getty / Craig Foy - SNS Group

It was no less than Scotland deserved for a superb second half performance and Clark’s substitutes added further gloss to the scoreline.

In fact, it’s worth talking about both goals (scored in the 80th and 87th minutes) together because they were virtual carbon copies of each other. Substitute Ryan Fraser swinging in a corner that fellow substitute Lyndon Dykes headed into the far post – a training ground routine that paid dividends. 

Although Scotland now top of Group B1, there’s still two more big games for Scotland to play. The Republic of Ireland visit Hampden Park on Saturday before a trip to Poland to take on Ukraine Tuesday.

It’s a long way to go but Scotland are very much in charge of their own destiny.

Man of the Match: There wasn't a bad performance from any of the Scotland players but John McGinn had a fine game in midfield and his goal lit the blue touch paper.

xG: Scotland 2.29 (3-0) 0.07 Ukraine

Your goal scorers 🙌#SCOUKR pic.twitter.com/xwokvNRRPZ

— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) September 21, 2022