After away matches against Scotland (0:3) and Armenia (5:0), the blue-and-yellow team concluded their September training with a new match against the British. If we recall the playoff for qualification to the 2022 World Cup, then Ukraine's national team had already faced this opponent three times in one year. This time, the teams were competing for promotion to the higher division of the Nations League, and Ukraine only needed a win.

Due to Russia's invasion, the blue-and-yellow team was forced to host their opponents in Krakow, Poland. Despite this, today our boys felt the presence of the "12th player" fully.

Only five players retained their starting positions compared to the game in Yerevan — Lunin, Timchik, Zabarnyi, Mykolenko and Yarmalenko. It should be noted that Scotland had significant personnel issues as Steve Clarke could not rely on four key players.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

Already in the second minute, after a mistake by Ukraine's defense, "Tartan Army" had an opportunity to score, but after McGinn's pass Adams' shot was saved by ricochet. The Ukrainians responded with a super moment: Mudryk broke through on the left flank and crossed, but Yarmolenko missed the empty goal. By the way, our team captain conducted his 112th match for the national team, moving to first place in the historical list of veterans.

At the 22nd minute, our boys created another chance — after a fantastic cross by Yarmolenko, Dovbik was one-on-one with Gordon but failed to score. Later, Scotland responded with an attempt from Jack over the bar following a corner kick. The end of the first half remained in favor of Oleksandr Petrakov's men. Stepanenko delivered two good shots, especially near the post after a corner, and Mykolenko missed a great cross shot by Malinovsky.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

At the start of the second half, Mudryk and Yarmalenko had decent long-range shots but Gordon was on his game. Later, Ukraine pressed their opponents into their own goal area. In the 63rd minute, after a free-kick by Malinovsky, Zabarnyi scored above the line.

In the last half-hour, Scotland tried to slow down the pace of play and defended deep in their half. At the 78th minute, Ukraine's national team created another chance — after a failed clearance by Stepanenko, Yarmalenko leaped but missed as the ball went past the post.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

In conclusion, Scotland managed to secure a 0-0 draw and retained their first place in the group. This means that Ukraine's national team will also play in League B for the next season of the Nations League.

Nations League. League B. Group 1

04.06.2022

Armenia — Ireland — 1:0

08.06.2022

Ireland — Ukraine — 0:1

Scotland — Armenia — 2:0

11.06.2022

Ukraine — Armenia — 3:0

Ireland — Scotland — 3:0

14.06.2022

Ukraine — Ireland — 1:1

Armenia — Scotland — 1:4

21.09.2022

Scotland — Ukraine — 3:0

24.09.2022

Armenia — Ukraine — 0:5

Scotland — Ireland — 2:1

27.09.2022

Ukraine — Scotland — 0:0

Ukraine: Lunin, Timchik, Zabarnyi, Matviyenko, Mykolenko, Stepanenko, Malinovsky (Pikhalonok, 87), Yarmalenko (к) (Zubkov, 87), Dovbik (Yaremchuk, 75), Mudryk (Tsigankov, 75).

Reserves: Volynets, Ryzhnik, Bondar, Mykhaylichenko, Krivtsov, Sarapaiy, Kachaраба, Karavaev.

Coach: Oleksandr Petrakov.

Scotland: Gordon, Fraser (Christie, 72), Porteous, Hendrie, Gik (Rowston, 90+1), Taylor (Kingsley, 71), McGinn (к), Jack (Armstrong, 72), McGregor, McLin, Adams (Daijs, 79).

Reserves: McCrory, Kelly, Gallagher, Gilmore, McKee, Doig.

Coach: Steve Clarke.

Referee: Anastasios Sidiroupoulos (Greece).

Yellow cards: Mudryk (17), Yarmalenko (23), Yarmalenko (27), Malinovsky (90+1, off the field) — Gik (62), Daijs (84), McCrory (90+3, off the field).

September 27. Krakow. "Krakowia" Stadium named after Józef Piłsudski.

Ireland — Armenia — 3:2 (1:0)

Goals: Igan (18), Obafemi (52), Brady (90+1, from the penalty) — Dashyan (71), Spercyan (73).

Red cards: Ambarzumyan (89, V), Dashyan (90, V).

Final standings

According to the regulations, the group winner received a ticket to League A, while the last-placed team will play in League C for the next cycle.