The Ukrainian national football team saved the chance to participate in the World Cup in Qatar.
The team of selection coach Oleksandr Petrakov and ManCity professional Oleksandr Zinchenko won the playoff semifinals in Glasgow against Scotland 3-1 (1-0) on Wednesday evening after a strong performance overall.
The Ukrainians will play in Wales on Sunday (6 p.m.) for the last European ticket for the World Cup at the end of the year.
Premier League player Andriy Jarmolenko for West Ham United put the visitors ahead at Hampden Park in the 33rd minute;
Benfica pro Roman Jaremtschuk headed the lead to make it 2-0 shortly after the break (49'), Artjom Dowbyk made it the final score in the fifth minute of added time.
After Callum McGregor's goal to make it 1-2 (80'), the Bravehearts felt renewed hope.
The game in Scotland was the first competitive game for the Ukrainian national team since the beginning of the war at the end of February.
Should the side qualify for the World Cup by beating Wales, they would meet England, Iran and the USA in Group B in the preliminary round.