Ben Davies blocks Andriy Yarmolenko
(Reuters action images)
Wales are on the verge of finishing their 64-year wait for a place in the World Cup as they face a Ukrainian team that is about to complete one of the most notable qualifying stories in Wales. the history of the tournament.
An electric atmosphere awaits Cardiff as Wales host the play-off final for last place in the Qatar World Cup, after the match was delayed due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Despite the ongoing war and amid emotional scenes in Hampden on Wednesday, Ukraine put on an impressive performance to break Scotland’s heart in the semi-final as Wales had already beaten Austria in March.
Gareth Bale was key to Wales as he produced a magic double to defeat Austria and hopes for a nation will once again turn forward at Cardiff City Stadium. If Bale were to lead Wales to a World Cup place, he would be added to his legend with the national team, following the previous heroics in qualifying for the European Championships.
Ukraine will have been exhausted by its efforts in Glasgow four days ago, but its players have been inspired by the opportunity to provide joy, hope and pride for a country that suffered from the Russian invasion. Oleksandr Zinchenko has led his team magnificently and if Ukraine advanced to the World Cup it would represent a momentous victory in the midst of the most difficult circumstances. Follow the live updates from Wales vs. Ukraine below:
Wales-Ukraine: World Cup play-off final
- Wales XI: Hennessey; Ampadu, Rodon, B Davies; C Roberts, Ramsey, Allen, N Williams; Bale, James, Moore.
- Ukraine XI: Bushchan; Karavaev, Zabarnyi, Matvienko, Mykolenko; Stepanenko; Yarmolenko, Malinovskyi, Zinchenko, Tsygankov; Yaremchuk.
- The winner earns his place in the 2022 Qatar World Cup
- 2 min: Zinchenko goal ruled out after a free kick too fast
- 34 min: Bale scores with a free kick deflected by Yarmolenko
Show the latest update 1654451096
Wales – Ukraine 1-0
82 min: Gareth Bale runs and is replaced by Harry Wilson. On the next play, Hennessey makes another brilliant stop from Dovbyk’s header. Man of the party for a mile of country.
Lawrence Ostlere June 5, 2022 6:44 PM
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Wales – Ukraine 1-0
79 min: Sydorchuk with a long-range effort, but Hennsessey saves it easily. Meanwhile, Ben Davies has made another excellent challenge: what game is he playing.
Lawrence Ostlere June 5, 2022 6:41 PM
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Wales – Ukraine 1-0
74 min: Post! The first touch of Johnson’s ball, quite possibly, is a shot that shoots low against the wood. A moment later Johnson returned to the bottom of things and the ball fell to Bale in the area after a Ramsey cross, but his shot was well stopped by Bushchan.
Ben Davies blocks Andriy Yarmolenko
(Reuters action images)
Lawrence Ostlere June 5, 2022 6:37 PM
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Wales – Ukraine 1-0
71 min: Wales change now as Dan James is replaced by Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson.
Lawrence Ostlere June 5, 2022 6:32 PM
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Wales – Ukraine 1-0
69 min: Zinchenko volleys a dangerous cross in the area but none of his teammates anticipate the ball. Ukrainian change: Shaparenko replaces Malinovskyi.
Lawrence Ostlere June 5, 2022 6:30 p.m.
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Wales – Ukraine 1-0
66 min: Everything is Ukraine for the last minutes, and Wales are struggling to keep the ball. Davies this time is the man to make a major challenge on the edge of the box.
Lawrence Ostlere June 5, 2022 6:28 PM
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Wales – Ukraine 1-0
63 min: A good challenge from Neco Williams prevents another clear vision of the goal. Maybe Wales should make a change here.
Lawrence Ostlere June 5, 2022 6:26 PM
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Wales – Ukraine 1-0
58 min: a massive entry from Ben Davies! Tsygankov feeds Yarmolenko running into the area, but Davies manages to make the challenge before Yarmolenko can catch what would have been a clear shot from close range.
Martin Tyler on the other hand, had a terrible day.
Lawrence Ostlere June 5, 2022 6:21 PM
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Wales – Ukraine 1-0
55 min: Another Hennessey stop! Tsygankov aimed a low cross at the goal and the Welsh goalkeeper shot it with his hind leg which had already been thrown to the other side. Yaremchuk did attempt a finish, but from an awkward position, sending the ball into the away fans.
Lawrence Ostlere June 5, 2022 6:16 PM
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Wales – Ukraine 1-0
53 min: Very bright minutes for Wales in what remains a brilliant atmosphere. Davies sends a good cross into the back post where Ramsey makes it down well, but can’t pick a teammate in the middle.
Lawrence Ostlere June 5, 2022 6:15 p.m.