Scotland’s World Cup aspirations were dashed after Ukraine defeated them in their first match since the Russian invasion of their country, setting up a battle with Wales for a place in Qatar 2022.

The game opened with a show of solidarity from Scottish fans who joined visitors in chanting Ukraine’s national hymn before kick-off, despite the ongoing war.

With the entire world watching, they wowed from the start, scoring two goals thanks to goals from Andriy Yarmolenko and Roman Yaremchuk.

Before Callum McGregor’s attempt crossed the line late in the second half, Scotland’s John McGinn squandered a wonderful opportunity to draw a goal back.

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With nearly the last kick of the game, Artem Dovbyk scored a third goal for the visitors, setting up a play-off final against Wales on Sunday at Cardiff City Stadium.

As the national side went into the encounter on an eight-game winning streak, Steve Clarke gave Aaron Hickey his first Scotland start in place of the injured Nathan Patterson.

As the home side opened the encounter brightly, Roman Yaremchuk received an early booking for a crunching challenge on Billy Gilmour.

But it was Ukraine who got the first chance, with only Craig Gordon’s brilliant stop keeping Viktor Tsygankov from scoring. Scotland’s number one using his fingertips to push the ball over the bar.

When the ball fell to an unmarked Yarmolenko within 10 yards from goal, Gordon had to bail Scotland out once more.

The 39-year-old saved his shot before rushing to collect the loose ball, then running off his line seconds later to block Yaremchuk’s attempt.

Andy Robertson’s effort was blocked by Tsygankov, and John McGinn’s shot from Che Adams’ ball was well over. Scotland had a brief period of pressure.

Just after the half-hour mark, Ukraine scored its first goal.

As the away fans inside Hampden Park roared, the Scotland defence was caught off guard by a simple ball over the top, and Yarmolenko floated the ball over Gordon and into the net.

With Scotland’s World Cup dream only 45 minutes away from coming to an end, Steve Clarke made a halftime substitution, replacing Lyndon Dykes with Ryan Christie.

Clarke anticipated it to have an impact, but Ukraine extended their lead barely three minutes after the break.

Yaremchuk nodded the ball back across goal after Oleksander Karavaev’s cross hit him at the back post, leaving Gordon with no chance of keeping it out.

As the winger dashed towards the Ukraine supporters, emotions were running high as their chances of reaching Qatar grew brighter.

Callum McGregor came close to equalising for Scotland as he closed down Ukraine goalkeeper Georgiy Bushchan, but his clearance bounced off the midfielder and went over the bar.

When Scott McTominay’s cross was palmed up in the air by Bushchan just yards out, McGinn should have scored for the hosts, but he somehow headed wide of the post.

Tsygankov, Ukraine’s third goal of the night, was denied by Gordon, who got down to save his shot inside the penalty area.

Scotland pressed on, and Buchchan deflected a powerful drive from Adams, while McGinn’s follow-up was stopped.

Bushchan palmed McGregor’s shot into his goal, giving the Scots hope. It was just across the line.

The Hampden Roar erupted once more, this time with a vengeance, as they believed Qatar 2022 was still a possibility.

Ukraine added a third goal late in injury time, as Dovbyk calmly shot past Gordon in front of the home crowd.

Scotland has not qualified for a World Cup in 24 years, and the wait will now be extended as Steve Clarke’s stunning unbeaten run came to an end in front of a sell-out Hampden crowd.