ANDRIY: WE OWE THIS TO THE TROOPS
UKRAINE captain Andriy Yarmolenko has dedicated this week’s clash with Scotland to his country’s soldiers because he insists they wouldn’t be playing if it wasn’t for them.
Scotland face a rematch tomorrow against the war-torn country in a Nations League clash just a few months after they ended the Tartan Army’s World Cup dreams with a 3-1 win at Hampden in the play-offs in June.
The Qatar 2022 game was postponed because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the war is still ongoing.
And 32-year-old former West Ham and Dortmund midfielder Yarmolenko — who moved to Abu Dhabi side Al Ain in the summer — is desperate to put on another show at Hampden as thanks to their military.
He said: “I still closely follow the news from the front. There are positive moments there, but I perfectly understand what price was paid for them, because many Ukrainian soldiers are dying.
“On the one hand, we are happy that we are returning to our cities and villages. However, on the other hand, we are saddened by irreparable losses.
“I can only say that our entire national team is very grateful to the defenders of Ukraine.”
And Yarmolenko, who will win his 110th cap tomorrow, admits he respects Scotland, but is aiming for a famous Hampden double.
Respect
He said: “We respect all opponents, but we are not afraid of anyone. We know who we are playing for.
“I cannot say anything about the future results will go, but I want to promise our fans that we will give all our strength and play so that they will not be ashamed of us. And we will see what the result will be.
“But I know that if you give your all on the pitch, the result will come.
“It’s nice to be back in the European climate after the heat of the UAE.
“We have some tough games ahead of us with long trips to Scotland and Armenia, but I’m positive as always.
“I know our players, I know our potential and I know what kind of football we can play.”
Meanwhile, Ukraine have been forced to travel to Scotland without backup keeper Evgeny Wolynets, after he was unable to get a British visa for the trip.