It was an agonizing end for Ukraine’s mission to qualify for Qatar while remaining under Russian invasion.
Ukraine lost their World Cup qualifier after Wales defeated the war-torn team 1-0 in the European Playoffs final of the FIFA World Cup.
Andriy Yarmolenko inadvertently tipped the ball into the empty net on Sunday, trying to clear the lead for Wales captain Gareth Bale in the first half.
As Wales head to their first World Cup in 64 years, which will open against the United States in November, this marked an agonizing end to Ukraine’s emotionally charged mission to qualify for the World Cup. Qatar while remaining under the invasion of Russia.
Welsh goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey’s right-footed shot was saved by Viktor Tsyhankov in the 10th minute of the second half, while Ukraine were looking for a draw.
Artem Dovbyk’s curling free kick almost found the goal for Hennessey, but the visitors’ keeper somehow managed to get ahold of it.
The Ukrainian players seemed heartbroken after the defeat, wanting to give a positive to their country after enduring three months of bombing.
“The most important match of our lives,” Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Karavayev said on Saturday.
“We do everything we can”
Ukraine coach Oleksandr Petrakov said he could not utter a word of criticism to his players.
“I can only thank him for everything he did for the team. I have no criticism of any of the team’s players,” he said. “I think we did everything we could, but I want the people of Ukraine to remember our team, our efforts. I want to apologize for not scoring. But this is sport, this is happening.”
Ukraine had beaten Scotland in their play-off semi-finals to set up the match with the Welsh.
Back home on the 102nd day of the invasion, the Ukrainians took a breather from the pain and suffering of the war watching the match broadcast from Cardiff to the bars, including the capital Kyiv, which had been hit by Russian airstrikes. at the beginning of the day. .
On Sunday, there were protests by the Russian Football Union against the shirt worn in Wales because Ukraine showed Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, as part of its map.
The specter of war became apparent in the Welsh capital with a message of peace in English and Ukrainian on the screens of Cardiff City Stadium.
Rivalries were sidelined when the Ukrainian national anthem was played and applauded by local fans.
Of the 1,800 seats allocated to Ukraine, 100 free tickets were given to refugees forced to flee Ukraine since the invasion began in February, prompting Russia to be disqualified from qualifying for the World Cup. World.
Ukraine has not qualified for the World Cup since 2006. This match was delayed by about three months due to the invasion.
(Al Jazeera)