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 1654451617
Wales 1-0 Ukraine
90 + 2 min .: Yarmolenko punches a shot over the crossbar with his weaker right foot.
Lawrence Ostler June 5, 2022 18:53
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Wales 1-0 Ukraine
Five minutes will be added. Agony for home fans …
Lawrence Ostler June 5, 2022 18:51
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Wales 1-0 Ukraine
89 min: Ukraine comes forward once again – maybe they will get another good chance. Not this time, as Sidorchukat strikes 20 yards over the crossbar.
Lawrence Ostler June 5, 2022 6:50 p.m.
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Wales 1-0 Ukraine
86 mins: Another long shot is saved by Wayne Hennessy. His behavior in wet conditions is huge.
Lawrence Ostler June 5, 2022 6:48 p.m.
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Wales 1-0 Ukraine
82 min: Gareth Bale’s race takes place and he is replaced by Harry Wilson. In the next game, Hennessy made another brilliant save from a header by Dovbik. A man matches a mile away.
Lawrence Ostler June 5, 2022 18:44
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Wales 1-0 Ukraine
79 min: Sidorchuk with a long effort, but easily saved by Hensesi. Meanwhile, Ben Davis has made another great challenge – what game he plays.
Lawrence Ostler June 5, 2022 18:41
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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.
Ben Davis blocks Andriy Yarmolenko
(Action images via Reuters)
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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