Scotland boss Clarke ´desperate´ to reach Qatar 2022 despite Ukraine hardship

Scotland boss Steve Clarke is “desperate” to reach the Qatar 2022 World Cup as his side prepare for an emotionally charged encounter with Ukraine.

The two sides meet in a UEFA qualifying semi-final playoff at Hampden Park this week, with the winner set to face Wales for a spot at the end-of-year tournament.

The match will mark Ukraine’s first competitive fixture since the nation was invaded by Russia in February, with neutrals likely to be cheering Oleksandr Petrakov’s visitors on in Glasgow.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Clarke says the emotional tenor of the game will be led by their opponents, but insists his side will only be focused on their own on-field goals.

“We always said we would be guided by the Ukrainians as to how they felt,” he stated.

“They made a decision to get their football players out of the country and into a training camp to prepare for the game because they want to play, they want to try and give their nation a boost by qualifying for Qatar.

Ready for matchday

Steve Clarke’s squad continue their preparations at @Oriamscotland ahead of tomorrow’s FIFA World Cup Play-off at Hampden Park. #SCOUKR pic.twitter.com/eqFZHFjCwf

— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) May 31, 2022

“The game goes ahead but still with the horrific outside influence, for us we focus on the game on football.

“Nothing but good thoughts and good wishes for them, except during the game.

“They want to go to Qatar to represent their country but I’m desperate to go to Qatar with Scotland.

“My staff are desperate to go and most importantly our players are desperate to take their country to a World Cup final so that’s what we focus on.”