Vitalii Mykolenko's Ukraine took another stride towards qualifying for the World Cup by defeating Scotland 3-1 at Hampden Park on Wednesday.

The Everton left-back played the full 90 minutes on an emotional evening to set up a play-off final against Wales in Cardiff on Sunday (5 June).

Andriy Yarmolenko and Roman Yaremchuk strikes either side of the half-time interval put the visitors in control, before Celtic's Callum McGregor pulled one back for Scotland to set up a nervy finish.

But Artem Dovbyk's effort deep into second-half stoppage time sealed a memorable victory for Ukraine.

Speaking ahead of the clash, which was originally set for 24 March before being postponed due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, manager Andriy Shevchenko says described the match as "much more than football for us right now".

Ukraine are bidding to reach a second World Cup since their independence in 1991.

Wales now stand in their way, with the winners of this weekend's game progressing to the tournament's finals in Qatar later this year.

While there was joy for Mykolenko, the opposite was felt by Club teammate Nathan Patterson.

Patterson missed the final two months of the Blues' campaign after suffering an ankle injury and, despite his best efforts, was not fit enough to make Steve Clarke's matchday squad.

Scotland's attention now turns to Nations League action, with a trip to Republic of Ireland sandwiched between a pair of games against Armenia later this month.

Elsewhere, Salomon Rondon netted the only goal of the game to earn victory for Venezuela in a friendly against Malta.

The contest took place at Malta's 17,000-seater national stadium, Ta' Qali, with Rondon heading home a cross for the decisive goal on 34 minutes.

Rondon was replaced by Fernando Aristeguieta with 10 minutes remaining.

Next up for Venezuela is a friendly against Saudi Arabia in Spain on Thursday 9 June.