Scottish Daily Mail

It’s our responsibi­lity to do country proud, insists Ukraine boss

- By MARK WALKER

UKRAINE boss Oleksandr Petrakov insists his team have a responsibi­lity to win for their compatriot­s across the world when they face Scotland at Hampden a week today. Steve Clarke’s Scots face the war-torn nation in Glasgow in a World Cup semi-final play-off which was originally due to be played in March but was postponed following the Russian invasion. It will be Ukraine’s first competitiv­e game since November — and Petrakov has underlined just what the game will mean to the people of his country and how massive a burden his players are carrying. ‘We all understand what

Ukrainians expect from us. We have a huge responsibi­lity,’ said the head coach (pictured). ‘We are here to defend the interests of Ukraine in the world of football. ‘Ukrainians expect victories from us. ‘If we manage to qualify for the World Cup, we will increase the morale of the people. ‘This responsibi­lity helps to focus on the task and give all the best.’

Petrakov also revealed how he tries to get his players to forget their worries about their homeland. ‘The current situation in the world cannot be compared with anything that has happened to me before,’ he said. ‘Our guys are constantly worried about their relatives and our homeland. ‘It’s not easy, but I know how to defuse the situation. I often tell football stories and I joke to distract them. ‘What can football give Ukraine? Football can bring joy, especially when your favourite team is winning. The national team is supported by all Ukrainians, from youth to the elderly. ‘Ukraine has played in the World Cup only once. To get to Qatar in such conditions is more than just a sporting success.’

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