Wales Beat Ukraine In Play-Off To Qualify For First World Cup In 64 Years

Wales have qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 64 years after a 1-0 win over Ukraine in the final play-off.

Rob Page's side saw off Austria in the semi-final thanks to a stunning brace from their talisman and captain Gareth Bale and went one better by beating Ukraine in the all-important decider.

The winner came in the first half when Ukraine's Andriy Yarmolenko deflected a Bale free-kick into his own net.

The Eastern European outfit created plenty of clear-cut chances to equalise but came up against a goalkeeper in inspired form in Wayne Hennessey.

They were also controversially denied a penalty when Yarmolenko appeared to be clipped inside the area by Joe Allen.

Despite the luxury of VAR being available, the decision was not overturned - much to the anger of everyone associated with Ukraine.

Wales held on to deny war-ravaged Ukraine a fairytale triumph in the midst of the horrible invasion from Vladimir Putin and Russia.

They will now face England, the United States and Iran in the group stages in Qatar in the first World Cup to be held in the winter later this year.

Wales' last appearance in the World Cup finals was in 1958 in Sweden, when they were beaten 1-0 by eventual winners Brazil in the quarter-finals.

Featured Image Credit: Image: PA

Topics: Wales, Ukraine, Football World Cup, Gareth Bale

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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