Ukrainian players were given flags by the military

DBasia.news – Ukraine coach Oleksandr Petrakov said his players would have flags in their changing room provided by the military on the front line ahead of their World Cup playoff against Wales.Ukraine beat Scotland in their playoff semi-final at Hampden Park on Wednesday in their first game since Russia’s invasion of their country, a victory Petrakov dedicated to his fellow fighters defending Ukraine’s borders.

“This is a tough situation in Ukraine, and not everyone has the opportunity to watch football, and not everyone watches football because of all the problems,” Petrakov said.

“Nevertheless, we will try to concentrate tomorrow and have a great game.”

“Personally, I didn’t communicate with the military, but the players in the team wrote letters to our soldiers, and they also received the flag from that war, which we promised to hang in the changing room.”

Victory against Wales on Sunday in Cardiff would give Ukraine a place in the World Cup finals for the second time as an independent nation, while Wales have the chance to make their first appearance in 64 years.

“I have seen the work of (Welsh coach) Robert Page and I noted that the Wales team are working well with great players, especially Ramsey, Bale and James.

“I think tomorrow everyone will get a chance to watch a great game.”

Petrakov said they did not expect any favors from their opponents.

“Sport is sport, and we don’t expect a prize from Wales or an unfair win,” he said.

“We know how tough it will be against them. This is the most important game of our lives. We really hope to win, and we will do everything possible to win.”