An Andriy Yarmolenko own goal broke Ukraine’s hearts and sent Wales to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as Ukraine lost 1-0 in a playoff on Sunday.
Ukraine had several chances to level the scoring or even put themselves ahead at Cardiff City Stadium, but it was a deflected Gareth Bale free kick that resulted in them falling out of the competition and sending Wales into their first World Cup in 64 years.
– UEFA Nations League on ESPN networks: Stream LIVE games, replays (U.S. only)
Dan James won a free kick for Wales 25 yards out, and Bale stepped up to take it on 34 minutes. He whipped in the ball and it was headed in by Ukraine captain Yarmolenko.
Oleksandr Zinchenko had the ball in the net early in the first half from a free kick, but the referee called play back, as he deemed Zinchenko had taken the kick too quickly.
Wales have qualified for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Getty Images
Ukraine were unfortunate not to earn a penalty on 40 minutes when Yarmolenko went down under a heavy challenge from Joe Allen, but VAR (video assistant referee) waved away the foul.
Wayne Hennessey made a fine save late in the second half to ensure that Artem Dovbyk’s header stayed out.
Wales will join England, Iran and the United States in Group B for the World Cup, which starts on Nov. 21 and runs until Dec. 18.
Source: espn.co.uk
