Former Scotland midfielder Graeme Souness has made a sensational admission that he wants Ukraine to win the World Cup.
The ex Scottish international captain wants Ukraine to win the tournament in order to ‘send a message’ that the invasion of the country by Russia is hated across the world.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday play-off semi final between Scotland and Ukraine, the 69-year-old said: “I don’t just want Ukraine to qualify, I want them to win it. How far do you have to bury your head in the sand not to realise the situation the world’s in?”
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“Will it be when someone presses the button on a nuclear weapon?”
“My emotions when I think about it deeply are that it’s more important than football to send a message that Russia’s behaviour is unacceptable — the world has to unite and tell them that.”
Wales awaits the winner of the tie to fight it out for a place in the World Cup that is due to get underway in Qatar later on in the year.
Hamish Husband, the spokesman for the West of Scotland Tartan Army was not happy with Souness’ comments.
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He said: “I understand his predicament but it’s disappointing to hear a former captain back another team against his country.”
The UK’s Ukrainian Sports Supporters Club, Stephen Luczka said: “This night goes beyond sport. I agree the game is more important to Ukraine on an emotional level but in footballing terms, it is more important to Scotland.”
Steve Clarke's side are two games away from a place in international football's top competition, but will be without key duo Kieran Tierney and Ryan Jack as both players are out due to injuries. Captain Andy Robertson is a late arrival to the Scottish camp after the disappointing Champions League final followed by a parade through Liverpool to celebrate his side's domestic cup triumphs.
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The tie was originally scheduled to be played in March but was postponed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Scotland will have to put any emotion or sympathy they have for their opponents aside as the country bids for a first World Cup appearance since 1998. The match at Hampden Park will be one of the most important matches in the history of both Scotland and Ukraine.
The winner of Scotland and Ukraine will face Wales, and the winner of that match will be in Group B in the World Cup, other teams in the group are England, USA and Iran.
Topics: Scotland, Graeme Souness, FIFA Club World Cup, Ukraine
Marcus Chan