Ukraine’s hopes of qualifying for this year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar ended in disappointment after they lost 1-0 to Wales in the qualifying playoffs in Cardiff on Sunday.
Wales have now qualified for a first World Cup since the 1958 edition held in Sweden.
In a rain-soaked match in the Welsh capital, Ukraine’s captain, Andriy Yarmolenko, headed into his own net in the first half as he tried to block a free-kick from Gareth Bale.
The result means Wales go into Group B for the tournament, beginning in Qatar in November, alongside England, the United States and Iran.
It was an emotional occasion for Ukrainian fans as they watched their team far from home, where the war against Russia continues.sday’s 3-1 win over Scotland at Hampden Park.
Also Read: Maguire May Lose Manchester United Captaincy
Ukraine dominated the opening half-hour with Welsh goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey called into action on multiple occasions, as the home side struggled to contain the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko, who looked especially lively following his man-of-the-match performance against Scotland mid-week.
But it was Wales who took the lead in the 34th minute through a bizarre own-goal, after Yarmolenko’s attempt to head clear a Gareth Bale free-kick went badly wrong.
Yarmolenko thought he had made amends just minutes later when Joe Allen clipped the former West Ham star in the box but nothing was awarded.
From there the game opened up with Ukraine continuing to create good chances but failed to get on the score sheet.
Wales almost doubled their lead on multiple occasions with Aaron Ramsey missing a sitter just after the break.
With 15 minutes left while Brennan Johnson saw his effort come off the hit the post before Bale was denied just moments after.
The game was due to be played back in March but was postponed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
