Wales booked their place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after a tense 1-0 victory over war-torn Ukraine in the play-off final on Sunday.
Gareth Bale’s deflected free kick in the first half proved to be the difference as the Dragons qualified for their first World Cup since 1958 sparking jubilant scenes at the Cardiff City stadium.
A combination of good fortune and heroic defending helped Rob Page’s team get over the line, securing their place in a group alongside England, Iran and the United States when the Finals get underway in November.
Ukraine’s Oleksandr Zinchenko saw a long-range free kick cancelled out by the referee, who deemed that it had been taken too quickly.
Wales were having their own moments in attack, but it was the visitors who were creating the better opportunities, Wayne Hennessey being called upon several times during the opening 45 minutes.
Nevertheless, with 11 minutes of the first half remaining, Wales went in front through a deflected set piece from Bale.
In a contest which saw both nations trade blows at either end of the pitch, chances were squandered on a regular basis, Ukraine unable to force their way past an inspired Hennessey.
The game was due to be played back in March but was postponed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
