Wales Beat Ukraine In Play-Off To Qualify For First World Cup In 64 Years
Wales have qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 64 years after a 1-0 win over Ukraine in the final play-off.
Rob Page's side saw off Austria in the semi-final thanks to a stunning brace from their talisman and captain Gareth Bale and went one better by beating Ukraine in the all-important decider.
The winner came in the first half when Ukraine's Andriy Yarmolenko deflected a Bale free-kick into his own net.
WALES LEAD! 🏴
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 5, 2022
Gareth Bale's free-kick is diverted into his own net by
Andriy Yarmolenko! 😮 pic.twitter.com/cyj9ZrUlSK
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The Eastern European outfit created plenty of clear-cut chances to equalise but came up against a goalkeeper in inspired form in Wayne Hennessey.
They were also controversially denied a penalty when Yarmolenko appeared to be clipped inside the area by Joe Allen.
Despite the luxury of VAR being available, the decision was not overturned - much to the anger of everyone associated with Ukraine.
Wales nearly have a second!
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 5, 2022
First Brennan Johnson's strike smashes off the post and then Gareth Bale's effort is brilliantly saved by Bushchan! 😮 pic.twitter.com/tMaNegeZcX
Wales held on to deny war-ravaged Ukraine a fairytale triumph in the midst of the horrible invasion from Vladimir Putin and Russia.
WALES HAVE DONE IT, THEY'RE GOING TO THE WORLD CUP! 🏴 pic.twitter.com/QHHegfCj2V
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) June 5, 2022
They will now face England, the United States and Iran in the group stages in Qatar in the first World Cup to be held in the winter later this year.
Wales' last appearance in the World Cup finals was in 1958 in Sweden, when they were beaten 1-0 by eventual winners Brazil in the quarter-finals.
Topics: Wales, Ukraine, Football World Cup, Gareth Bale
Josh Lawless