Wayne Lumbasi
Wales qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time in 64 years, after beating Ukraine 1-0 in the European qualifying playoff on Sunday.
The match was momentous for both Wales and Ukraine. Wales were trying to qualify for the first time since 1958, while Ukraine were seeking to overcome the turmoil of the Russian invasion, and reach the tournament for only the second time as an independent nation.
The game was a largely even affair, with not much between the two sides but the match was decided on yet another set piece involving the talismanic Gareth Bale. He dispatched the free kick goal wards in the 33rd minute and the ball deflected off Andriy Yarmolenko to send Wales to the prestigious tournament.
The star of the match, though, was Welsh goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey. He made nine saves, denying Ukraine on several golden opportunities to even the score.
With half the team not having played competitive club football since the Russian invasion in February and with their nation’s tragedy never far from their minds, Ukraine deserve huge credit for coming so close to making the finals for the second time in their country’s history as an independent nation.
