Ukraine Getting Closer To The 2022 World Cup, Coach Oleksandr Petrakov: The Team Playing For The Armed Forces That Are In The Trenches, That Are In Hospitals

JAKARTA - The Ukrainian national team won 3-1 over Scotland in the playoffs of the 2022 World Cup in the European zone at Hampden Park, Wednesday, May 1, local time. Thanks to this victory, Ukraine is getting closer to the 2022 World Cup.

They live face to face with Wales, Sunday, May 5th. If you win, a ticket to the finals in Qatar is within your grasp.

Ukraine coach Oleksandr Petrakov said the victory over Scotland was dedicated to the Ukrainian fighters who were facing the Russian invasion.

"This win was not for me, not for the players but for our country, so it's a big win for Ukraine," Petrakov told reporters.

"It was a team effort, a team win, teamwork, they did everything for the people they were fighting for. They played for those at home, for the armed forces who are in the trenches, for those in the hospitals."

"They thanked us and we returned with our offerings to them," he continued.

The 64-year-old coach, who spent most of his coaching career with the country's youth team, said he did not want to judge the team's performance.

"Right now I don't want to analyze the game, I'm exhausted. I'm empty in terms of analysis," he said.

Ahead of this match Oleksandr Zinchenko started crying when discussing the situation in his country, but he was outstanding against Scotland. Petrakov said he was not surprised by the emotion or response on the pitch.

"Zinchenko is a very patriotic, emotional person and a true Ukrainian citizen. When Ukraine is attacked, he feels as if his personality is being attacked," Petrakov said.

"He is a true nation, he has a pure soul and that can be seen on and off the field," concluded the coach of the Ukraine national team.