(Football news) Scotland secured promotion in the top tier of the Nations League and a playoff spot for Euro 2024 after a goalless draw against Ukraine at the Józef Piłsudski Stadium. The ‘hosts’, who were playing in Poland at Cracovia’s home ground were the better side, creating a number of clear cut opportunities while Scotland were missing a number of players and Steve Clarke’s team were forced to ride their luck at times in what was a hard fought draw. Andriy Yarmolenko had the first opportunity of the match when he volleyed over the bar while Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon denied Mykhaylo Mudryk and Danylo Ihnatenko. 

The likes of Grant Hanley, Liam Cooper and skipper Andy Robertson were unavailable for Scotland due to injuries alongside Kieran Tierney, Nathan Patterson, Scott McKenna and Scott McTominay. As a result, Steve Clark was forced to make six changes in his starting XI with 23-year-old Hibernian defender Ryan Porteous making his debut alongside Kenny McLean, Greg Taylor, Ryan Jack, Ryan Fraser and Che Adams. In the second minute, Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Lunin saved Adams' attempt at his right-hand post for a corner which was defended. The hosts then had an excellent opportunity in the seventh minute when winger Mykhailo Mudryk picked Andriy Yarmolenko, whose volley didn’t find the target.

The Scots had another let off in the 22nd minute when Artem Dovbyk capitalised on Yarmolenko's pass and attempted to score, only to be denied by the goalkeeper. Three minutes later, Scotland were awarded a penalty by Greek referee Tasos Sidiropoulos for a handball by Taras Stepanenko in the box from a shot by Fraser, but the decision was overturned by VAR. Jack had an opportunity from 16 yards in the 31st minute but shot over the bar while Ukraine’s Stepanenko headed over from a corner at the other end. In the 70th minute, Clarke introduced  Stuart Armstrong, Ryan Christie and Stephen Kingsley for Taylor, Fraser and Jack before Lyndon Dykes replaced Adams but his team continued to be on the backfoot but held on to take a point from the fixture. 

Speaking after the match, Scotland manager Steve Clarke said “We wanted to show people that what happened in the summer wasn't us", he said talking about the defeat to the Republic of Ireland and losing to Ukraine in the World Cup play-offs. We wanted to be better this week, so we pressed a big button to reset. Three fantastic performances, all different, but all vital. Ukraine are a very good team, we knew they'd have moments in the game, and ask Craig (Gordon) to make saves – he did that as he always does. Porteous was outstanding for a debut. So pleased for the boy, shows that he listens, that he learns. I'm also so pleased for Jack Hendry – big ask for Jack. Everyone expects Callum McGregor and John McGinn to play three games with that intensity, but I had to ask Jack to do that again – he was struggling a bit with a cold, but he was outstanding in all three games." 

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