Steve Clarke has insisted Scotland will recover from their World Cup play-off defeat to Ukraine and qualify for Euro 2024. The Scots were comprehensively outplayed at Hampden Park, losing 3-1 to a Ukraine side driven by a desire to make their war-torn nation proud.
Goals from Andriy Yarmolenko, Roman Yaremchuk and substitute Artem Dovbyk ended Scotland's hopes of reaching a first World Cup since 1998. Callum McGregor's late strike gave the home side brief hope, but Ukraine sealed victory on the counter-attack.
Clarke admitted his side were second best but vowed to build on the progress of the last three years. 'I am convinced we will qualify for Euro 2024 and beyond,' he said. 'This group of players will have more caps and experience. We have left the low moments behind.'
The Scotland boss praised Ukraine's performance, noting they had not played competitive football since December. 'The best team won,' he said. 'We didn't pass the ball well enough in the first half, and credit to Ukraine for pressing us.'
Scotland now turn their attention to Nations League fixtures against Armenia and the Republic of Ireland. 'We have to suffer together and analyse the game,' Clarke added. 'We can't feel too sorry for ourselves.'
