The tartan army applauded Ukrainian supporters as they left Hampden.
Win or lose, no one here forgot the big picture.
Earlier in the day, thoughts of the war were not far off, as yellow and blue travel support went to Scotland’s National Stadium.
This was a road trip for the vast majority of Ukrainian fans, with flights from home not an option.
The coaches brought fans, many of them refugees, from London.
I traveled on a bus organized by the Edinburgh Ukrainian Club. Among those who made the trip were the recent arrivals to Scotland.
It wasn’t the typical football bus, but back then it wasn’t a typical football crowd.
Image: The coaches brought fans, many of them refugees
Natalya told me that she was not a fan of football, and this was only the second game she attended, but that “for me this is part of my country”.
What did the Ukrainians think of the game
It was an opportunity for Ukrainians to come together and share the focus and pride of a nation.
The ninety minutes of football also offered a brief window into life as they knew it. Enjoying Entertainment Safely: How Long ago?
The party also gave profile. One point said by more than one of the refugees aboard the football bus was that they feared that the world would forget about the plight of Ukraine.
They hoped that a World Cup qualifier with global attention (the international media was everywhere) would help keep their fight in the headlines.
His players are well laid out and, with the work done in Hampden, they now have work to do against Wales over the weekend.
I asked a Ukrainian fan waving the flag leaving Hampden what he thought of the game. He replied, “The fight continues.”
I said, “In Cardiff?”
“No,” he replied. “The fight continues.”
The challenge of the World Cup in Ukraine captivated its citizens briefly, and will do so again.
But the fight is more important.