Wales is going to the 2022 World Cup, overcoming Ukraine 1-0 in the final UEFA playoff Sunday to qualify for the first time in 64 years.
Ukraine’s incredible story, attempting to qualify even as the Russian invasion of their country continues, ended in heartbreak as Gareth Bale’s powerful free kick was deflected in by Andriy Yarmolenko for the game’s only goal.
Wales will go into Group B with the U.S. men’s national team, England, and Iran. The Welsh will play the USMNT in their opening match in Qatar on November 21, marking their first appearance at a World Cup since 1958.
Ukraine seemed to have a stunning opener in the 3rd minute, with Oleksandr Zinchenko firing a free kick from 32 yards past Wayne Hennessey, but referee Antonio Lahoz pulled play back as he had not blown the whistle for play to start.
Wales were struggling to hold Ukraine off, but in their hour of need, Bale delivered. It took some good fortune, as Yarmolenko’s attempt to head the shot away only served to wrong-foot goalkeeper Heorhiy Bushchan, but it was enough to give the Welsh a lead they would not relinquish.
Ukraine were pinning Wales back, peppering Hennessey with shots, but a 76th minute sequence saw Welsh substitute Brennan Johnson smack a shot off the woodwork before Bale was denied by a strong Bushchan save in the aftermath.
At the other end, Hennessey capped off a stellar performance with an incredible save to rob Artem Dovbyk’s 84th minute header, which ended up being Ukraine’s last and best chance at an equalizer.
Watch the goal that sent Wales to the World Cup
BALE WITH THE BREAKTHROUGH FOR WALES 🏴 pic.twitter.com/UOEvPHo7rp
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 5, 2022
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