Burden could be too heavy for Ukrainians
Alex McLeish reckons Ukraine are vulnerable as they carry the burden of flying the flag for their war-torn country.
The former Scotland boss saw it for himself when he encountered the devastated Ukrainians after their World Cup play-off loss in Wales.
And he insists Scotland must hold back sympathy for the country in their upcoming Nations League double-header.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy persuaded the country’s footballers to continue playing despite the invasion by Russia. The inspirational war leader claimed they could do more to help raise the population’s spirits through sporting success.
Back in June they beat Scotland 3-1 at Hampden in the play-off semi-final for a place at the World Cup in Qatar but a 1-0 loss in Wales meant they missed out.
McLeish inadvertently bumped into Ukraine’s squad the next day and was shocked to see how griefstricken the players were.
They clearly felt that they’d let their countrymen and women down. He said: “I just happened to be in the same airport as their players after that match in Cardiff.
“You could tell that the failure to make the finals in Qatar had really taken its toll on them. They were devastated and deflated.
“They’d been inspired when they beat us at Hampden by what had been happening in their country.
“But once they hadn’t made it, all that energy just seemed to have been sapped right out of them.
“Carrying an entire country’s hopes can be an inspiration but it can also be a burden. Right now, they’re one point ahead of us at the top of the group – but this is our chance to exact a bit of revenge for that 3-1 play-off semi-final win.
“I can see us going full pelt and getting the right result in both Nations League games against them.”
Ukraine remain favourites to finish in pole position with three games left but McLeish believes they can be overtaken.
He said: “They’re a strong team with some excellent individuals. Andriy Yarmolenko proved how dangerous he can be when he also scored the opener against us in Glasgow.
“Then there’s Oleksandr Zinchenko, who got an assist at Hampden and was their best player.
“He’s made an immediate impact at Arsenal after moving from Manchester City, showing his leadership qualities with some strong performances there.
“But don’t forget that we have some top players as well. We might not have the superstar strikers we used to be able to call on but Che Adams’ strength and speed has given Steve a different option and the goals Lyndon Dykes claimed in the Euro 2020 campaign were vital.”
McLeish masterminded a 3-1 win over Ukraine at Hampden in the qualifiers for Euro 2008.
And he said: “I still remember that game.
“Kenny Miller and Lee McCulloch put us two up early on before Andriy Shevchenko gave us a headache but that gave James McFadden the chance to work his magic and make it 3-1 for us.
“I just hope Steve gets a similar display and result.”