CRAIG HOPE: Zinchenko’s tears told us everything we needed but both teams are desperate to win!

He was speaking in Ukrainian but the sorrow and anger needed no translation. Oleksandr Zinchenko’s tears told us everything.

While the interpreter relayed what he had said and Zinchenko gallantly rubbed at his reddened eyes, ours remained stuck on him. It was impossible not to be drawn to this young man — still only 25 years old — and his statesman-like courage.

Zinchenko was addressing the world, given the Asian, American and South American camera crews here inside Hampden Park. But for all the genuine and uplifting talk of unity, he also set the tone for a match that will be contested by two fiercely-motivated opponents. The Manchester City star left us in no doubt of that.

Zinchenko was speaking in Ukrainian but the sorrow and anger needed no translation

At stake is a place in this year’s World Cup in Qatar, the winners of Wednesday’s play-off facing Wales in Cardiff on Sunday. Trivial in the grand scheme of things? Not at all. Not, you realise, when spending time yesterday around both the Ukraine and Scotland camps.

It is possible, you learn, for the situation in Ukraine to be at the forefront of their thinking, yet not relegate the significance of this game in the process.

Ninety-seven days have passed since the Russian invasion began. It is hard to imagine that, less than one year ago in this very stadium, Zinchenko was scoring a goal during Ukraine’s 2-1 win over Sweden to set up a Euro 2020 quarter-final against England. It was mention of this that drew the player’s most passionate oration.

‘Every Ukrainian wants one thing — to stop this war,’ said Zinchenko, the crack in his voice breaking the resistance of his eyes. ‘I have spoken to Ukrainian kids who just don’t understand what is happening. They have one dream — to stop the war.

Ninety-seven days have passed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine first began

The world has watched in horror at images of the barbaric actions of Vladimir Putin’s forces

‘When it comes to football, we have our own dream. We want to go to the World Cup, to give these incredible emotions to Ukrainians, because they deserve it so much at this moment.

‘Our mood is a fighting mood. Everyone understands what it is happening in Ukraine, that is why our motivation is 100 per cent to win.

‘But we can speak a lot, we must do it on the pitch. We are going to try to make them happy and proud. To give positivity back to our country.’

The world has watched in horror at images and news of the barbaric actions of Vladimir Putin’s invading forces. That disgust, however, does not compare to the pain of Zinchenko and his countrymen. It is a point he wanted to stress, and with it came a warning.

‘You cannot describe the feelings unless in this position,’ he said. ‘The things that are happening in our country, it is not acceptable. Things I cannot even describe. This is why we need to stop this aggression, all together. It is why we need to win. Ukraine is a country of freedom and will never give up.

That disgust, however, does not compare to the pain of Zinchenko and his countrymen

Zinchenko – who has been preparing to face Scotland on Wednesday – burst into tears during Ukraine’s pre-match press conference on Tuesday evening 

‘A lot of countries don’t understand, today it is Ukraine but tomorrow it could be you. That is why we need to be united and beat this Russian aggression, defeat the evil.’

Ukraine’s coach, Oleksandr Petrakov, lent across and comforted his player. His own words were no less emotive.

‘It is difficult, when every player is thinking about their fathers, mothers and relatives back in Ukraine,’ Petrakov said. ‘We are working under a lot of stress, but are trying our very best to achieve a result.’

To do so, they will have to defeat a Scotland team unbeaten in eight matches. It is no fault of their own but Steve Clarke’s side will be cast as villains if they extend on Wednesday. For some Scots, such as their former captain Graeme Souness, there is even a wish for Ukraine to win. If he were playing, says Souness, he would not know how to handle the emotion of the occasion. Is there a danger some of Clarke’s players share that sentiment?

‘That’s a really easy question to give a one-word answer — no,’ said Clarke, deadpan.

Ukraine’s coach, Oleksandr Petrakov, lent across and comforted his player on Tuesday night

But the boss was, for the large part, in convivial mood, much like his beer-swigging captain Andy Robertson during Liverpool’s open-top bus parade on Sunday. Some supporters have criticised the player given the timing.

‘I saw the clip (of Robertson drinking beer) and I was pleased that he was getting over his disappointment (of losing the Champions League final),’ said Clarke. ‘It was the right thing to do, the right thing to celebrate with his team and his supporters on the back of a fantastic season for Liverpool. Some people want to make too much out of small things.’

On that, Clarke was right, Robertson’s enjoyment is one such example of there being far bigger concerns in the world right now.

But do not believe this game isn’t one of them. Yes, the Scots intend to sing the Ukrainian national anthem and there will be a show of brotherhood in the stands. But once the whistle sounds, there is little chance of that extending to the pitch.