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Ukraine’s bid to take part in the World Cup ended on Sunday with a 1-0 defeat to Wales in a tie that had been put on hold due to the Russian invasion of the European country.
Wales’ only goal came due to an unfortunate mistake by Ukraine. Andriy Yarmolenko neatly controlled the ball after a short corner, and knocked it on to Gareth Bale who had the whole net open before him, but only managed to hit the post. It was the only goal of the match and enough for Wales to get their first place in the World Cup in 64 years.
Welshman Gareth Bale, right, celebrates after being credited with his team’s goal during a qualifying match for the 2022 World Cup between Wales and Ukraine at Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff , Wales, Sunday 5 June 2022. (AP Photo / Rui Vieira))
“It’s hard to put into words. It’s what we’ve been working on all our careers and doing for the fans, the nation, ourselves and our families is an incredible success. And it will be something we will be forever. Proud, “Bale told BBC Radio Wales.
“It means everything. It’s the last piece of the puzzle we all wanted, and we’re going to celebrate it well tonight.”
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Wales now have a place in Group B of the next World Cup. The team will face the United States in its first match, with Iran and England also on the record.
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Ukrainians Oleksandr Zinchenko, left, and Viktor Tsygankov during the qualifying match for the 2022 Wales-Ukraine World Cup at Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, on Sunday, June 5, 2022. (AP Photo / Rui Vieira)
“It’s hard to say in words. We’ve been dreaming about this for a long time. Wales midfielder Joe Allen at Sky Sports.
“I would like to say that we were calm. It was hard. They booked me soon, but I think we got it together. We have come a long way. We want to make sure this continues. The quality has gone through the roof, and a Cup of the World will be amazing to see. “
Ukraine was trying to give an emotional boost to the Qatar World Cup as those back fight for security against Vladimir Putin’s forces.
A Ukrainian fan in the stands sheds tears in a qualifier for the 2022 Wales-Ukraine World Cup at Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, on Sunday, June 5, 2022. (Mike Egerton / PA via AP)
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A message of peace was written on the screens of Cardiff City Stadium. Local fans applauded after the Ukrainian national anthem sounded in the stadium. About 100 war refugees who fled the country during Putin’s invasion received free tickets to the party.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.