Ukraine have recorded a 3-1 victory over Scotland at Hampden Park to move through to a World Cup playoff final with Wales.
The initial fixture in March was postponed - a result of Russia's military invasion of Ukraine - and it has resulted in football in a nation which has had war inflicted on them brought to an abrupt halt.
However, the lack of competitive football and emotions threatening to spill over would not deny Ukraine, who were deserved winners at Hampden Park.
While the opening stages of the contest were hotly contested, the visitors soon began to create the better chances, Scotland having to rely on goalkeeper Craig Gordon.
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There was little that the veteran stopper could do to prevent Andriy Yarmolenko from giving his nation the lead in the 33rd minute, the recently-released West Ham United forward latching to a ball over the top to beautifully control and lob the ball over the advancing Gordon.
Scotland needed a response after half time but it was Ukraine who quickly doubled their advantage through Roman Yaremchuk, the forward towering over Aaron Hickey at the back post to send a header into the far bottom corner.
Even with over 40 minutes remaining, Scotland cut a deflated team, but to their credit, they rallied as the second half progressed with Ukraine stopper Heorhiy Bushchan fortunate to survive when his attempted clearance was charged down by Callum McGregor and went narrowly wide of the post.
John McGinn was also guilty of missing a sitter - the midfielder's header from three yards being directed off target - but Scotland capitalised on Ukraine missing chances to kill off the game by halving the deficit with 11 minutes remaining.
Buschan was again at fault, the goalkeeper letting a McGregor shot go through his fingers and marginally over the line, despite the best efforts of a defender.
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However, despite more pressure being applied to the Ukrainian defence, the clear-cut chances dried up, and it was the visitors who looked more likely to add a third.
Perhaps fittingly, that occurred with the final kick of the game. Artem Dovbyk was released through on goal and with little pressure coming from Scotland's backtracking defenders, the substitute drilled the ball inside the near post.
Ukraine will now head to Cardiff for a showdown with Wales on Sunday, the winner of that fixture progressing through to the World Cup group stages where they would face England, United States and Iraq.
Darren Plant
