Wales vs Ukraine LIVE: World Cup play-off final result as Welsh book spot at Qatar 2022
Wales earned their place at a World Cup for the first time since 1958
Wales ended their 64-year wait for a place in the World Cup finals as they beat Ukraine 1-0 on Sunday to end the war-torn nation’s hopes of reaching Qatar.
An own goal from Ukraine winger Andriy Yarmolenko, who headed a Gareth Bale free-kick into his own net, decided the contest.
Despite the loud and passionate atmosphere, Ukraine were on top from the outset and Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey was busy in the opening half making three vital saves to keep the score level.
It was against the run of play then when Wales grabbed the lead in the 34th minute, Bale fired a low free-kick from 25 metres out and Yarmolenko’s stooping, attempted header clear, flew into the net past the helpless Georgiy Bushchan.
Aaron Ramsey missed a great chance to double Wales’ lead after the break, side-footing wide from a great position and then Neco Williams drilled a well-struck shot against the post.
But Wales, who last appeared in the World Cup finals in 1958. had Henessey to thank again as he pulled off a fine one-handed save from substitute Artem Dovbyk’s powerful header, six minutes from the end.
World Cup fixtures
Here are the dates and kick-off times for Qatar 2022, as Wales book a spot in group B with England...
World Cup fixtures: Dates and kick-off times for Qatar 2022
World Cup groups and Qatar 2022 full schedule
Report from Cardiff, by Richard Jolly
The 32nd and last team in the World Cup won’t be the side most of the planet wanted. Far crueller things have happened to Ukraine this year but they were denied the expression of a nation’s identity and excellence that a place in the World Cup provides; denied, sadly, by one of their own. But if Wales had rarely been more unpopular outside the principality, after a 64-year exile, they could not afford to be sentimental. For six decades, the last player to score against them on the global stage has remained a teenaged Pele. All of that will change now. The class of 1958 are no longer the only Welshmen to qualify for the World Cup and it is a colossal achievement by Robert Page and his band of brothers.
Wales qualify for first World Cup since 1958 after edging Ukraine in play-off final
Wales 1-0 Ukraine: Gareth Bale’s first-half free-kick was deflected home by Andriy Yarmolenko, and a brilliant rearguard display preserved Wales’ clean sheet
Result: Wales 1-0 Ukraine
World Cup 2022’s group B is finally confirmed: England, Wales, Iran, USA. No major storylines there then.
Result: Wales 1-0 Ukraine
Such diverging reactions inside the stadium. Elation for Wales players and their fans, achieving something that has taken more than 60 years to repeat. For Ukraine, their players are in tears in the corner in front of a sea of yellow and blue. It just wasn’t to be, and it’s a great pity that Ukraine won’t be at the World Cup.
Full-time: Wales 1-0 Ukraine
Wales have done it! For the first time since 1958, they are going to the World Cup. Heartbreak for Ukraine, who came so close.
Wales 1-0 Ukraine
90+2 min: Yarmolenko drives a shot over the bar with his weaker right foot.
Wales 1-0 Ukraine
Five minutes will be added on. Agony for home fans...
Wales 1-0 Ukraine
89 min: Ukraine come forwards once more – they might get perhaps one more good chance. Not this time, as Sydorchukat blasts a 20-yard shot over the bar.
Wales 1-0 Ukraine
86 min: Another long shot is saved by Wayne Hennessey. His handling in wet conditions has been immense.
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