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.
Wales 1-0 Ukraine
48 min: Huge chance for Wales! They spark a rapid counter-attack as Williams finds James, who feeds Moore running into the box on the left side. He picks out Ramsey arriving in typical fashion but the Rangers midfielder can’t quite angle his foot correctly and his first-time shot whistles wide of the far post.
Kick-off! Wales 1-0 Ukraine
Here we go – the second half is under way in Cardiff. Wales are 45 minutes away from their first World Cup since 1958...
Wales lucky to avoid penalty?
ITV studio pundits Ashley Williams and Danny Gabbidon both think Wales were lucky to get away without conceding a penalty when Joe Allen inadvertently tripped Andriy Yarmolenko in the box. The Ukrainian captain went down a little dramatically, perhaps, but it is hard to argue Allen’s was a clean challenge. VAR had a look but decided it was not a clear and obvious error by Spanish referee Mateu Lahoz.
Gareth Bale’s free-kick deflected in by Andriy Yarmolenko
The moment that has Wales in front...
Half-time: Wales 1-0 Ukraine
Wales lead at the break thanks to what will probably go down as an Andriy Yarmolenko own goal, given Bale’s free-kick appeared to heading wide of the target. A bit of a needless mistake by the Ukraine captain – otherwise his side have probably had the better of the play.
Wales 1-0 Ukraine
45 min: Zinchenko whips a tricky corner into the six-yard box which slams into Conor Roberts and bounces safely to Hennessey. It might have gone anywhere.
Wales 1-0 Ukraine
43 min: Ukraine are finishing the first half on the front foot. They’ve already taken seven shots and five on target – can they find one more effort before the break?
Wales 1-0 Ukraine
40 min: VAR is checking for a possible penalty to Ukraine. Joe Allen tripped Andriy Yarmolenko in the box... but no penalty is awarded. Seemed perhaps a touch fortunate for Wales, that call.
Wales 1-0 Ukraine
38 min: The atmosphere has lifted again and Wales have their tails up here. Ukraine need to calm things down a little and get to half-time.
GOAL! Wales 1-0 Ukraine (Bale, 34)
Gareth Bale lines up a long-range free-kick from the left and his low shot is deflected into the goal via the head of diving Ukraine captain Yarmolenko! Ukraine have been the better side but Wales won’t mind – they lead in Cardiff!
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