Advertisement
Opinion

Scotland v Ukraine means so much more than just football

The Scotland v Ukraine match will carry more than just the hopes for the World Cup, writes Gemma Fay, Scotland’s most capped football player.

Those that have experienced it will comment there is nothing more special than the ‘Hampden roar’.  But tonight we will experience something quite unique. Scotland v Ukraine will decide who makes the next step toward November’s World Cup in Qatar. The visitors will be welcomed with opened arms, we will hold them tight in our embrace and I have no doubt more than a few tears will be shed as the Derzhavnyi Himn Ukrainy is played before a packed Hampden Park.

The eyes of the sporting world will be on the southside of Glasgow. Not a phrase commonly spoken but it holds true today. Both teams will be looking to end the run of DNQ’s that accompany their status when associated with the FIFA men’s world cups.

But for Ukraine, it almost seems unnecessary to highlight, this will be about so much more. Anyone that has ever had the honour and privilege to be selected for their country will know the feeling that overcomes you as you make your way down that tunnel and on to the pitch.

The turn to face the fans, the deep breath that raises your crest high on your chest and the racing of your pulse as the first note of your national anthem plays loudly across the tannoy.

The singing of the anthem was always a time of reflection for me. I sang the words (not always in key) but they acted as a reminder. I thought about where I had come from, the people who had helped me, the challenges I had overcome. Those who were no longer with me and how lucky I was to be doing what I loved… living my dream.

As Oleksandr Zinchenko leads his charges out tonight I imagine similar thoughts will go through the players’ minds. But the significance will be far and beyond the match ahead of them. They are not a football team but a symbol to everyone in their homeland, those that have fled and to the world that Ukraine will endure. They will remember what they are playing for: their homes, loved ones and the brave heroes that stand there defending their country and democracy.  Everyone in Ukraine, perhaps the world, will be willing them on. That feeling will course through their veins as the referee whistle blows.

Advertisement
Advertisement

As for Scotland? In sport, the way you respect your opponent is you give it your all. I expect Andy Robertson et al to do so. Ukraine would not expect any less, in fact they should demand it.  We are both proud nations and as such we should stand together on the football pitch giving everything, for both of our countries.

Gemma Fay played 203 games for the Scottish national team between 1998 and 2017, making her Scotland’s most-capped footballer.

Advertisement

Sign our petition to keep people in their homes

Urgent action is needed to prevent even more people being pushed into homelessness.  A secure home is the first step in addressing the cruel cycle of poverty to ensure people can fulfil their potential. Join us to keep people in their homes.

Recommended for you

Read All
Rishi Sunak says he’s thinking long term. But he’s clearly eyeing an early election
Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak says he’s thinking long term. But he’s clearly eyeing an early election

I never used to believe in ghosts. Until I visited a haunted house
Sam Delaney

I never used to believe in ghosts. Until I visited a haunted house

Mick Jagger might give away his fortune. Imagine what a windfall tax on oil states could do instead
Paul McNamee

Mick Jagger might give away his fortune. Imagine what a windfall tax on oil states could do instead

Councils wasting millions in taxpayer cash fighting families of disabled kids – and losing
Education

Councils wasting millions in taxpayer cash fighting families of disabled kids – and losing

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Here's when people will get the second cost of living payment in 2023
3.

Here's when people will get the second cost of living payment in 2023

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue
4.

Citroën Ami: the tiny electric vehicle driving change with The Big Issue