Oleksandr Zinchenko stars as Ukraine sink Scotland in World Cup Play-Off

Oleksandr Zinchenko starred as Ukraine beat Scotland on Wednesday night in a World Cup Play-Off semi-final to set up a clash with Wales on Sunday 5th June for a place at Qatar 2022.

An impressive pass and consequent touch before a lofted finish by departing West Ham forward Andriy Yarmolenko opened the scoring and set the tone for the rest of the clash.

The opener dually silenced the raucous Hampden Park atmosphere, as Scotland seemingly caved in to the pressure of having the whole world rooting for their downfall.

Benfica’s Roman Yaremchuk doubled his country’s lead before half-time, rising at the back post to nod home a cross from full-back Oleksandr Karavaev after a slick Ukraine move.

Oleksandr Petrakov’s side was well-coached and showed poise in possession as a result. They starved their opponents of openings to respond and in effect lessened the strain on their defensive unit.

After a passive showing in the first half, Scotland’s intent increased after the break and almost saw them half the deficit but for a wayward header by Aston Villa’s John McGinn.

Their first did eventually arrive yet not for their positive work but the ineptitude of goalkeeper Georgiy Bushchan. The Dynamo Kyiv man flapped at a cross before parrying into the path of Callum McGregor who finished despite Ukraine’s best efforts to clear the ball off the line.

The Scot’s delayed purpose proved futile, however, as substitute Artem Dovbyk put the game to bed after being set away by the impressive Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Oleksandr Zinchenko stars for Ukraine

In a team that impressed in a collective sense and worthily stated their case for November’s Qatar World Cup, Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko went some way to elevate his tag as purely a utility player.

Under Pep Guardiola, Zinchenko is deployed as a left-back owing to his impressive versatility and tendency to put the team’s success over the interests of his own.

Upon joining Man City in 2016 aged 19 from the Russian Premier League outfit FC Ufa, Zinchenko was viewed as an attacking midfielder, although was fielded at full-back due to a lack of options in the position.

He has proved a reliable asset when called upon but has seen his role limited to a bit-part, therefore, limiting his impact.

Speaking earlier in the season after a 5-1 win over relegation condemned Watford, his manager was quizzed about Zinchenko’s role long-term.

"“In the position that we have in the midfield, in the pockets as the attacking midfielder,” Guardiola stated.“That is his position, definitely. When we brought Oleks for £2million from Ukraine, he was a No.10 – a Phil Foden position, a creative player – but the needs we had… We didn’t have a left-back for many years.“Fabian Delph adapted incredibly well in that position and Oleks as well. That’s happened because he is well-educated, he knows exactly what it means. He adapted and said: ‘Okay, what does the team need? I’m going to do it.’“He is a reliable player, honestly. Sometimes when he plays less or didn’t perform like normal, it’s because he’s a human being. What happens in his country, we cannot forget it. I know Oleks – the way he played is not necessary for us to know who he is.Via: Manchester City"

For his national team and in Wednesday’s match, the 25-year-old was deployed in his favoured role to the left of a midfield three. Given the license to pick up half-spaces between the lines, he showcased his ability to initiate attacking sequences and appeared to play with more freedom.

When afforded responsibility it is clear Zinchenko rises to the occasion and this begs the question of whether he should seek this elsewhere, with openings in City’s midfield few and far between.

With potential suitors not an issue, the decision comes down to what the Shakhtar Donetsk product wants to see when he looks back on his career. Personal accolades or trophies?