SHARMAN: Scotland vs. Ukraine World Cup Semifinal Playoff Best Bets

‍THE NARRATIVE

All things considered, this is not a match where “feeling sorry” for Scotland should resonate, after all, the situation in Ukraine has put sport into perspective in a cold and harsh way.  That said, many football fans, certainly the majority of neutrals, are hoping Ukraine find a way to progress to UEFA’s play-off final against Wales on Sunday.  Scotland, will be less sympathetic, in what should be a closely fought and likely dramatic encounter at Hampden Park on Wednesday.

INITIAL THOUGHTS

It will be a spectacle. The Scottish Football Supporters Association have announced their fans will sing the Ukrainian National Anthem in unison with their rivals, in support of the war torn nation.  They have even attained the services of popular language App Duolingo to help out! 

Once the pre-match festivities come to a close, make no mistake, this will be a sporting battle on the pitch.  There is no doubt Ukraine will be playing with heavy hearts, they will be well aware of what a World Cup berth would mean for the morale of their nation.  With that comes much pressure however, and Scotland also understand that a generation of their fans have never experienced a World Cup.

NUTS AND BOLTS

Ukraine would ordinarily enter as favourites, but this is a new Scotland under Steve Clarke, only suffering one loss in Qualifying, finishing its group on 23 points.  In fact, Scotland won its last six qualifiers, and although two Friendly draws since have raised some eyebrows, there is good reason that the Scots enter as slight favourites (+130) as the home support will be key.  Of note, Ryan Jack and Kieran Tierney are both out, while Captain Andy Robertson is coming off a Champions League final loss; how he recovers and responds will be key.‍

Ukraine (+255) has not played a match since November when the Group stage of Qualification came to a close, so it is easy to forget that Oleksandr Petrakov's side finished second to only France.  Ukraine are also only a year removed from reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 2020.  Do not discount them, despite the horrors of war, Ukraine are a superb footballing side, who are also 100 per cent healthy, if perhaps a little rusty.

All odds courtesy NorthStar Bets | Check out their special offer for new customers today!

PARLEH PICKS

• ‍Scotland win to nil (+250) If you rate the home crowd, and expect a cagey affair, there is good value to be had.‍
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• Ukraine to win at least one half (+128) If you buy into the intangibles, and remember just how good Ukraine have been in recent memory.‍
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• Moneyline Tie (+210) If recent club finals have taught us anything, and given such matches are often tight encounters, the safe money could well be on a draw.

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