PAUL ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
Wales secured a spot in the 2022 World Cup with a 1-0 win over Ukraine in Sunday’s qualifying playoff.
The only score in the match was an own goal in the 34th minute, starting from a Gareth Bale free kick:
ESPN FC @ESPNFC
BALE WITH THE BREAKTHROUGH FOR WALES ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ท๓ ฌ๓ ณ๓ ฟ pic.twitter.com/UOEvPHo7rp
It was enough to help Wales earn a ticket to Qatar, the nation’s first World Cup appearance since 1958.
Wales will be placed in Group B at the World Cup alongside the United States, England and Iran. The squad will face the United States national team on Nov. 21 in the first match of the tournament for both sides.
UEFA qualifying was initially scheduled to conclude in March, with Portugal and Poland each earning spots through four-team playoffs. The third path was postponed amid Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine’s national team returned to the pitch and defeated Scotland 3-1 in a semifinal match last Wednesday. The squad was looking to keep the momentum going in Cardiff on Sunday, but it fell short of the World Cup.
USMNT @USMNT
We’re inspired by the courage shown by the Ukraine Men’s National Team.
We stand with you.๐บ๐ฆ pic.twitter.com/SBZXYWzhvY
Ukraine did create the majority of chances in this match, holding 68 percent of possession while outshooting Wales 22-10, per ESPNFC.
The difference was the play of Welsh goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, who tallied nine saves in an incredible performance:
The Analyst @OptaAnalyst
Wayne Hennessey was the hero for Wales, with nine saves to prevent Ukraine from scoring. ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ท๓ ฌ๓ ณ๓ ฟ pic.twitter.com/OnS4yXmkY3
Lewis Oldham @LewisOldham99
Take a bow Wayne Hennessey, was on fire to keep Ukraine out.
Was a great tie that, congratulations to Wales. #WALUKR
Tottenham defender Ben Davies also made several key plays to keep Ukraine off the scoresheet.
The visiting team thought it had a goal in the third minute when a quick free kick went in the net, but it was called back because the referee had not set the ball. In the 40th minute, Ukraine was seeking a penalty that was never called.
It added up to a clean sheet for Hennessey, while Wales needed just one magic moment for the go-ahead goal and eventual win.