Ben Davis blocks Andriy Yarmolenko
(Action images via Reuters)
Wales are one victory away from the end of their 64-year wait for a place in the World Cup, as they face a team from Ukraine, which is on the verge of finishing one of the most remarkable qualifiers in the history of the tournament.
An electric atmosphere awaits in Cardiff, while Wales hosts the final of the playoffs for the final European place at the World Cup in Qatar, after the match was postponed due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Despite the ongoing war and amid emotional scenes in Hampden on Wednesday, Ukraine showed a stunning performance to break the hearts of Scotland in the semi-finals, with Wales already advancing past Austria in March.
Gareth Bale was key to Wales as he created a magic double to beat Austria and the nation’s hopes will return to the striker at Cardiff City Stadium. If Bale had to direct Wales to the World Cup, it would complement his legend with the national team, following previous heroic actions in the European Championship qualifiers.
Ukraine will be drained of their efforts in Glasgow four days ago, but their players have been inspired by the opportunity to provide joy, hope and pride to a country that has suffered in the face of the Russian invasion. Alexander Zinchenko led his country superbly, and if Ukraine qualified for the World Cup, it would be a significant victory in the most difficult circumstances. Follow live updates from Wales vs. Ukraine, below:
Wales vs. Ukraine: World Cup play-off final
- Wales XI: Hennessy; Ampadou, Rodon, B. Davis; C Roberts, Ramsey, Allen, N. Williams; Bale, James, Moore.
- Ukraine XI: Bushchan; Karavaev, Zabarni, Matvienko, Mikolenko; Stepanenko; Yarmolenko, Malinovsky, Zinchenko, Tsigankov; Yaremchuk.
- The winner won his place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
- 2 min: Zinchenko’s goal was dropped after too fast a free kick
- 34 min: Bale scored with a free kick by Yarmolenko
Show the latest update 1654450639
Wales 1-0 Ukraine
74 min: Post! Johnson’s first touch of the ball was most likely a shot that shot low against the woodwork. A moment later, Johnson is back in the heat and the ball falls for Bale in the penalty area after a cross from Ramsey, but his shot is well saved by Bushchan.
Lawrence Ostler June 5, 2022 6:37 p.m.
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Wales 1-0 Ukraine
71 min: Wales are changing now as Dan James is replaced by Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson.
Lawrence Ostler June 5, 2022 18:32
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Wales 1-0 Ukraine
69 mins: Zinchenko half-volley throws a dangerous cross through the penalty area, but none of his teammates expect the ball. Ukrainian change: Malinowski is replaced by Shaparenko.
Lawrence Ostler June 5, 2022 6:30 p.m.
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Wales 1-0 Ukraine
66 min: Everything is Ukraine in the last few minutes, and Wales is struggling to keep the ball. This time, Davis is the man who will make an important challenge on the edge of the box.
Lawrence Ostler June 5, 2022 6:28 p.m.
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Wales 1-0 Ukraine
63 min: A good challenge from Neco Williams prevents a new clear view of the goal. Maybe Wales needs to make a change here.
Lawrence Ostler June 5, 2022 18:26
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Wales 1-0 Ukraine
58 mins: Massive blow from Ben Davis! Tsigankov feeds Yarmolenko, who bumps into the penalty area, but Davis gets around to challenge him before Yarmolenko can take what would be a clear shot at close range.
Meanwhile, Martin Tyler believes that Gareth Bale must fight to be awarded a goal, because he was “going to the goal”, although he clearly went beyond the goal.
Lawrence Ostler June 5, 2022 18:21
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Wales 1-0 Ukraine
55 min: Another rescue from Hennessey! Tsigankov directed a low cross towards the goal and the Welsh goalkeeper kicked her with his foot, which has already thrown in the other direction. Yaremchuk sprinted to the rebound, but it was all too fast to organize a shot on target.
Lawrence Ostler June 5, 2022 18:16
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Wales 1-0 Ukraine
53 minutes: Really bright few minutes for Wales in what continues to be a brilliant atmosphere. Davis shoots a good cross to the back post, where Ramsey takes him down well, but can’t pick a teammate in the middle.
Lawrence Ostler June 5, 2022 6:15 p.m.
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Wales 1-0 Ukraine
50 mins: Wales manager Rob Page received a yellow card for his reaction to a free kick given to Dan James. The referee had no doubts and he gave a penalty in favor of Mateo Lahoz.
Lawrence Ostler June 5, 2022 6:12 p.m.
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Wales 1-0 Ukraine
48 min: Great chance for Wales! They provoke a quick counterattack when Williams finds James feeding Moore, who bumps into the penalty area on the left. He chooses Ramsey, who arrives in a typical way, but the Rangers midfielder can’t tilt his leg properly and his first shot comes from the far post.
Lawrence Ostler June 5, 2022 6:10 p.m.
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