Defiant Ukraine coach Oleksandr Petrakov insists his team’s World Cup play-off with Scotland next month WILL go ahead as he predicts a ‘quick victory’ over invading Russian forces
- Ukraine are due to play Scotland in Glasgow in World Cup play-off on March 24
- The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to the suspension of the domestic league
- But Ukraine coach Oleksandr Petrakov is adamant the play-off will take place
- Petrakov, who is staying in Kiev, predicted a ‘quick victory’ over the invaders
- It came as Russian forces invaded Ukraine on multiple fronts on Thursday
Ukraine boss Oleksandr Petrakov insists preparations for next month’s World Cup play-off in Scotland will continue as planned.
UEFA’s Executive Committee will meet on Friday to discuss the crisis created by a full-scale Russian military onslaught.
The Ukrainian Government has imposed martial law on the nation and closed down football for a month, placing the play-off qualifier at Hampden on March 24 in serious doubt.
Ukraine are scheduled to play Scotland at Hampden Park in a World Cup play-off on March 24
Scotland celebrate advancing to the World Cup qualifying play-offs back in November
In a statement of defiance, however, veteran Ukraine boss Petrakov believes the game will go ahead after a ‘quick victory.’
‘In this difficult time we must be united, support each other and believe in our army and our state,’ he said. ‘We are on our Ukrainian land and we have nothing to fear.
‘I am 64 years old, I have lived in Kiev all my life. I am here now, I am not going anywhere and I am ready to help my country as much as I can.
‘Sport in such moments recedes into the background; the main thing is life, peace, tranquility of people.
‘I believe that after our quick victory we will continue to prepare for the decisive matches of the national team of Ukraine in the play-offs of the World Cup.
Ukraine national team coach Oleksandr Petrakov predicted a ‘quick victory’ over Russia
Hampden Park in Glasgow is set to stage the crucial play-off semi-final at the end of March
‘We are the whole team, all the guys who are always proud to present the great nation on the football field. We do not give up, we all think about Ukraine and live in Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine.’
The Ukrainian League began a winter break on December 12.
Domestic action was scheduled to resume on Friday but a statement from the central body confirmed there would be no further competitive action until two days after the projected game against Scotland.
Sixteen of the Petrakov’s squad play their football in Ukraine. Nine hail from Dynamo Kiev, who have vowed to carry on as normal.
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