Wales vs Ukraine

Wales takes on Ukraine in the World Cup playoff final, in a winner takes all affair that will see the victors qualify for the tournament in Qatar.

1hrs 35 min from KO: The whole country of Ukraine and its diaspora will be behind them tonight, as Oleksandr Petrakov demonstrates in his pre-match press conference. Can the 32-year-old add to his 38 goals in 102 games this evening? 28th min: A huge chance for Ukraine as Tsygankov beats the offside trap and is through on goal but when one on one with Hennessey he hits it with his weaker right foot and puts too much curl on it as the ball goes well wide of the far post. 16th min: James tries to find a way down the left but has to settle for a corner. However, the home fans won't be so keen to hear that in three previous international meetings with their opponents, Wales have failed to win on each occasion. Wales name their starting eleven for the World Cup play-off final this evening. A few nervous faces in the lineups that's for sure... Dan James can't believe his teammate's been booked and in voicing his frustrations to the referee he also gets carded. Hennessey tips the ball beyond the post even though it looked to be going wide anyway. A dangerous ball into the six-yard box is begging to be hit but Hennessey gathers. The crowd expected something to happen when Bale stood over that ball and he delivered. Both sides will be desperate to take the final step and reach the competition proper after putting in so much hard work across the qualification phase.

Ukraine did a nation proud but Bale ensures it is Wales who will be on the plane to Qatar this winter.

That has not changed, regardless of the result. There was a danger, as was the case against Scotland, that Ukraine would tire from lack of match fitness in the final stages. Hennessey had Ben Davies to thank for ensuring it was not a solo effort to keep Ukraine at bay. Yet as Ukraine jostled for the equaliser, Hennessey was heroic. It should not have come as a surprise to anyone, however, when Bale engineered the opening goal. Oleksandr Zinchenko had suggested beforehand that this play-off would not be won or lost on tactics, or even physical exertion.

The Welsh star saw his free kick deflected in for a game-winning own goal.

Wales have booked their ticket to the 2022 World Cup after a 1-0 victory over Ukraine on Sunday in Cardiff in their playoff final. Hennessey made nine saves after getting the backing from Robert Page in this match. After a Gareth Bale free kick, Yarmolenko's unintentional header gave George Buschan a ball that he wouldn't be able to deal with 34 minutes in.

Match report and highlights as goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey puts in heroic performance to help Wales qualify for World Cup in Qatar; Wales winner comes ...

When a team has 22 shots on goal and create an expected goals total of 1.91, the opposition team need their goalkeeper to be inspirational. "It was probably my best game in a Wales shirt, at such a key stage obviously. To feel the emotion, joy, relief and beauty of a country coming together to sing as one was a privilege to behold. Danny Ward has had the No 1 jersey for the last two years but Hennessey stepped in to cover for the semi-final victory over Austria and, despite not playing a domestic club game since January 2, he was ready. "And boy did the home fans and their players celebrate. Wales must now turn their attention to three Nations League fixtures this month. "Ukraine threw everything they had at Wales for their country. He wrote himself into Welsh football folklore with a performance of incredible defiance up against a Ukraine side that gave everything. Wales are going to the World Cup after a remarkable football match with a team that also deserve to grace the World Cup. "There were faces of disbelief in the crowd. Were they dreaming? They can pinch themselves all they want.

Gareth Bale (right) saw his deflected free-kick give Wales the lead against Ukraine. Cardiff City Stadium, Wales (CNN) It is ...

"I want to say sorry we didn't score but this is sport, this is how it happens. The visitors had given it everything and, rightfully, both teams were cheered by the fans at the final whistle. This was the sort of match that had both sets of fans queuing to gain entry and milling around hours beforehand. Moments before the players lined up for the anthems, the Welsh folk singer Dafydd Iwan sang "Yma o Hyd," a song adopted by Wales fans as their unofficial anthem. The winner would take it all and, in Wales' case, make history. This was a match where war and football intertwined.

FIFA World Cup European Qualifying match Wales vs Ukraine 05.06.2022. Preview and stats followed by live commentary, video highlights and match report.

Memories of Wales at the 1958 World Cup are held by a dwindling few; the failures of 1977, 1985 and 1993 can be banished on Sunday against a Ukraine side ...

Ukraine await in a final that Wales host with home advantage and with overwhelming support inside the ground. Wales reach FIFA's World Cup play-off final with some aplomb. A night to forget. Ukraine has now been at war for over 100 days since Russia invaded its territory in February. For Wales have been dreaming for an extremely long time about playing at a World Cup. Memories of Wales at the 1958 tournament are held by a dwindling few such has been the lengthy passing of time. Memories of Wales at the 1958 World Cup are held by a dwindling few; the failures of 1977, 1985 and 1993 can be banished on Sunday against a Ukraine side whose motivation for victory is clear, writes Geraint Hughes