Wales 1-0 Ukraine: For the second time in their history at the World Cup

Ukraine were superior, losing many chances but were neutralized by Wayne Hennessy and Wales clinched victory thanks to an own goal 1-0 and at the same time qualifying for the final of the 2022 World Cup.

Andrei Yarmolenko’s own goal in the first half was enough for Gareth Bale’s side, who managed to keep the clean sheet until the end and a draw clinched the last European ‘ticket’.

Wales reach the World Cup for the second time in their history and for the first time since 1958. Disappointed, the Ukrainians return to their bases from their war-torn homeland.

Ukraine cheered up from the first few minutes and didn’t let the constant rain in Cardiff slow them down. With Yarmolenko and Alexandre Zinchenko playing in the middle rather than at left-back as in Manchester City, they created several chances against the disorganized Welsh defence.

Hennessy underwent constant surgery and completed the first half with five of them. Although there was no great chance, everything seemed to be in the Ukrainians’ favor except for the phase in the 34th minute. Bale committed a foul with a low charge, Yarmolenko tried to chase but sent the ball into his team’s net.

The second half started similarly. Ukraine had the upper hand and created dangerous situations in front of Hennessey, who had to intervene again, especially on the 55th minute double chance (he blocked a shot from Viktor Tsigankov, then Roman Yaremchuk sent the ball wide).

Within a minute between 75′ and 76′, the Welshman tried to secure the win, having a crossbar with Brendan Johnson and a good shot with Bale which was blocked by Giorgi Bustan.

The final minutes belonged to the Ukrainians again, who lost two more chances in Artem Dovbik and Sergei Shindorchuk. Hennessy was once again unassailable and the 1-0 lead to the end, with referee Matthew Laoth kickstarting the party in the stands at the Welsh stadium.

WALES: Hennessy, Abadou, Rodon, Davis, Roberts, Ramsey, Allen, James (71′ Johnson), N Williams (90+3′ Norrington Davis), Bale (82′ Wilson), Moore

UKRAINE: Bustan, Karavaev, Zambarni, Matvienko, Mikolenko, Stepanenko (70′ Sindorchuk), Yarmolenko, Malinovsky (70′ Saparenko), Zinchenko, Tsigankov (77′ Mundrik), Garemchuk (Garemtsuk)