UEFA Nations League

[monks data]

Nations League | League B

Sep 27, 2022 at 7.45pm UK

Ukraine
0 - 0
Scotland

Mudryk (17'), Yarmolenko (23'), Ihnatenko (27')

Hickey (62'), Dykes (84')

Scotland promoted into top tier of Nations League

By Barney Corkhill, Editor

Published: September 27 2022 | 21:37

Last updated: September 27 2022 | 22:34

Scotland promoted into top tier of Nations League

Scotland hold Ukraine to a goalless draw to earn promotion to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League and give their hopes of Euro 2024 qualification a major boost.

Scotland have held Ukraine to a goalless draw to earn promotion to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League.

Steve Clarke's men arrived in Krakow - Ukraine's home for the night due to the ongoing conflict in their own country - knowing that they simply needed to avoid defeat against the team that had ended their World Cup hopes earlier this year.

They did just that, riding their luck at times but holding out for a 0-0 draw which sees them finish top of Group B1, two points clear of Ukraine in second.

Ryan Porteous put in a man-of-the-match display on his international debut for a Scotland side missing some key players, including the likes of Andrew Robertson, Kieran Tierney and John McGinn.

On top of securing their place in Nations League A, the result also guarantees Scotland a place in the Euro 2024 qualification playoffs should they fail to reach the tournament through the main qualifying campaign.

Robbie Brady in action for Republic of Ireland on September 27, 2022 © Reuters

Elsewhere in that group, Republic of Ireland avoided relegation to League C following a topsy-turvy 3-2 win over Armenia in Dublin.

Goals from John Egan and Michael Obafemi had given Ireland a 2-0 lead early in the second half, but the visitors struck twice in the space of 87 seconds to leave them needing only one more to secure their own survival and relegate Ireland in the process.

However, Armenia then had two men sent off inside a minute to harm their chances, with Robbie Brady converting a subsequent penalty to wrap up the win.

In League C, Northern Ireland also survived by the skin of their teeth, despite losing 3-1 to Greece on the night.

The defeat would have left Stephen Kenny's men in trouble had Cyprus managed to pull off a result against Kosovo, but they were well beaten 5-1 to fall into the relegation playouts on goal difference.