An own goal that resulted from a Gareth Bale free kick has led to scenes of jubilation across Cardiff, while at the same time ending a Ukrainian fairytale
An own goal was enough to sink Ukraine in Cardiff on Sunday, the war-torn country’s hopes of making the World Cup shattered after captain Andriy Yarmolenko found his own net with a header.
The goal, which resulted from a Gareth Bale free kick, saw Wales qualify for their first World Cup since 1958.The win triggered scenes of jubilation across Wales, but signalled an agonising end to Ukraine’s emotionally charged campaign, which was completed by a team partly made up of players recalled from the front lines following Russia’s invasion.
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 that Wales grabbed the lead in the 34th minute, Bale firing a low free kick from 25 metres out. Yarmolenko stooped, attempting to clear the ball with his head, only to see it fly past his own helpless keeper 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.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Canada’s feel-good World Cup melody hits sour note with Iran debacleWith an aborted friendly against Iran, Canada Soccer have managed to sour some of the feel-good factor that the Qatar-bound team had worked so hard to build up
Read more »
Canada’s feel-good World Cup melody hits sour note with Iran debacleWith an aborted friendly against Iran, Canada Soccer have managed to sour some of the feel-good factor that the Qatar-bound team had worked so hard to build up
Read more »
Soldiers send flag to Ukraine squad before World Cup playoff against WalesFlag from the frontline will hang in the dressing room before kick-off although midfielder Oleksandr Karavayev said his side expect no free passes or ‘presents’ in Cardiff
Read more »
Wales v Ukraine: World Cup 2022 qualifying playoff final – live!Minute-by-minute report: Who will book their place in Qatar on what promises to be an emotional evening? Join Will Unwin to find out
Read more »
Wales seal place at 2022 World Cup as playoff final win ends Ukraine hopesAn own goal from Andriy Yarmolenko gave Wales a 1-0 playoff win over Ukraine that sends them to their first men’s World Cup since 1958
Read more »
‘Everything is possible’: Socceroos World Cup playoff with UAE shapes as too close to call | John DuerdenRoel Coumans, who has had a foot in both camps, says the one-off qualifying clash could come down to who has the right mentality
Read more »