The last match of the European qualifying play-offs for the World Cup in Qatar turned to the advantage of Wales, Sunday June 5. At home in Cardiff, the Welsh dominated Ukraine (1-0). The Ukrainians, who dreamed of an oh so symbolic qualification to represent their country at war, remain at the quay.
The harsh law of sport may be cruel, but it is relentless. The players of Wales had announced it before their final game of the play-offs for the World Cup 2022 : there was no question of slowing down against the Ukrainians, their opponents on June 5, animated by a tenfold fervor to make the colors of their country shine since the beginning of the invasion of the Russian army in February.
” It’s the usual job. We sympathize, it’s appalling, but we have a job to do and we’re fully focused on that goal. “warned Welsh coach Rob Page.
At Cardiff City Stadium, the Dragons did not have any mood when it came to facing the Ukrainian selection. And at the end of the 90 minutes of play, it was the locals who snatched the 13th and last qualifying ticket for the European zone for the next World Cup in Qatar, thanks to their 1-0 victory.
Captain Bale in action
Appearing without complexes and daring during their semi-final of the play-offs, on June 1 in Glasgow against Scotland (3-1), the Ukrainians played their luck thoroughly throughout the meeting on the Welsh lawn. During this match, played at a high pace, the visitors controlled the leather during the first act and threatened Wayne Hennessey several times. The Dragons goalkeeper already had five saves after 30 minutes of play.
After this first half hour, Wales showed efficiency, unlike their opponents. On a well-placed free kick, captain Gareth Bale struck on goal and the unfortunate Andriy Yarmolenko deflected the trajectory of the shot into his own net (34th).
The now ex-Real Madrid player, soon to be 33, was not granted this goal. But he still celebrated this opener with the public. For him, who hinted that he could retire if his selection did not play the World Cup, this advantage taken necessarily had a particular flavor.
Hennessey destroys Ukrainian hopes
Forced to chase after the score, Oleksandr Petrakov’s men played their all-out throughout the second period. The Welsh, withdrawn in their half of the field, very often bent, while missing their few opportunities to break (post for Brennan Johnson in the 75th, big missed opportunity for Gareth Bale in the 76th…). Luckily for them, guardian angel Wayne Hennessey was watching over the cage.
In line with the first 45 minutes, the Burnley goalkeeper signed a perfect second act. The last rampart multiplied the parades against the attempts of Andriy Yarmolenko and the other Ukrainians who besieged its penalty area. Wayne Hennessey was notably decisive in repelling the shot from Viktor Tsyhankov (55th) with his foot and deflecting the head of Artem Dovbyk (84th). Until the last moments, he kept his team afloat.
It’s hard for Ukraine, but there won’t be a second World Cup final phase for Oleksander Zinchenko and his family, after the one disputed by their elders in 2006. It’s Wales that will go in Qatar, 64 years after his only appearance in the competition. Gareth Bale and his teammates will feature in Group B along with England, Iran and USA.