Scotland v Armenia

HAMPDEN PARK / WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2022 SCOTLAND v ARMENIA / 56
A BUMP IN
THE ROAD
Scotland are looking to show
that they are still moving
forward despite World Cup
disappointment
Steve Clarke stood firm behind his Scotland squad
following their disappointing 3-1 defeat to Ukraine
which ended 2022 World Cup qualification hopes.
On an emotionally-charged night at Hampden Park
last Wednesday, where worldwide attention was
on the play-off semi-final due to Russia’s invasion
of their neighbours in February, the Scots came
up short against an accomplished visiting side.
Clarke said: “What we shouldn’t forget is
the progress that we have made over the
last three years, we came into the game
eight games unbeaten but it was Ukraine’s
night so congratulations to Ukraine.”
Scotland’s 39-year-old goalkeeper,
Craig Gordon, was at his best again
as Oleksandr Petrakov’s slick-moving
side dominated the first half.
The Hearts skipper, who had played in
the 3-1 win over Ukraine at Hampden
Park in 2007, had to stretch to tip Viktor
Tsygankov’s first-time drive from 16 yards
over the bar. His save on 17 minutes
from Andriy Yarmolenko was even
more impressive, clutching the ball at
the second attempt a yard from the
line after blocking the attacker’s first
attempt from point-blank range.