Wales 1 Ukraine 0 LIVE REACTION: Bale’s heavily deflected effort FIRES Dragons to first World Cup in 64 years – updates
WALES shattered Ukrainian dreams as Gareth Bale's deflected effort was enough for the Dragons to book their place in the winter World Cup.
Ukraine were hoping to finally bring some joy to their war torn nation after what has been a treacherous time.
But the Eastern European giants were outdone by Andriy Yarmolenko's own goal which means that Wales will participate in their first World Cup since 1958.
- RESULT: Wales 1-0 Ukraine
- TV/Live stream: /
- Wales XI: Hennessey; Roberts, Davies, Rodon, Williams; Ampadu, Ramsey, Allen, James; Moore, Bale
- Ukraine XI: Bushchan; Karavaev, Zabarnyi, Matvienko, Mykolenko; Stephanenko; Yarmolenko, Malinovyski, Zinchenko, Tsygankov; Yaremchuk
Follow ALL the action with our live blog below...
That is all from us!
That is all for tonight's SunSport coverage of Wales 1-0 win against Ukraine.
That game had everything, it was action packed and saw Wales qualify for their first World Cup finals in 64 years!
Thank you for joining us tonight, we look forward to having you again!
Qatar 2022
Wales have been drawn in Group B in the 2022 World Cup, which kicks off on November 21 with Senegal vs Netherlands and ends on December 18 with the final at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
The Dragons will face England, Iran as well as the United States of America in the group stages and will be challenging for the first two places.
Wales' World Cup campaign kicks off on November 21 against USA and continues four days later with their game against Iran.
Robert Page's men are then set for a crucial encounter, which could determine their place in the Last 16, against England on November 29.
How will they do?
Bale delaying retirement
Wales hero Gareth Bale is delaying retirement thoughts as the 'greatest result in Welsh football history' sent the Dragons to the World Cup.
Skipper Bale's deflected free-kick sunk Ukraine 1-0 in the play-off as Wales reached the finals for the first time since 1958 and the second occasion ever.
The ex-Spurs winger, 32, is leaving Real Madrid when his contract ends in July.
Championship side Cardiff or the MLS are possible destinations.
But having won the Champions League five times with Real, Bale revealed Wales' triumph at Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday fulfilled his biggest remaining dream in football.
Sixteen years and 103 caps after his international debut, he told Sky Sports: "The result is the greatest in Welsh football history.
"We're going to a World Cup! It means everything, what dreams are made of,
"We've been working towards it since I first came in here.
"Words can't describe how we feel at the moment."
Tyler gaffe
Martin Tyler apologised for saying injured Ukraine keeper Heorhiy Bushchan would have to 'soldier on'.
But saying sorry so swiftly failed to save the Sky Sports commentator from unforgiving comments on social media during Wales' historic 1-0 win.
The Dragons reached the World Cup finals for the first time in 64 years despite many neutrals backing Ukraine due to Russia's invasion of its neighbouring country.
And many fans cut Tyler little slack after his poor choice of words when Bushchan was floored by an ankle injury.
It's the type of slip many pundits and fans must have made without even noticing since the war started in February.
But although Tyler was sharp enough to realise and apologise, he was instantly criticised on Twitter.
Joe Allen lost for words
Wales midfielder Joe Allen thought the Dragons rode their luck in qualifying for Qatar.
He told Sky Sports: "It's hard to put into words.
"We've been dreaming of this for a long time now.
"We've had to ride our luck at time, call on Wayne and defend for our lives, but let the celebrations begin.
"I'd love to say we were calm, it was tough, I got booked early on but I think we got it together.
"We've come a very long way, we want to make sure this carries on.
"The quality has gone through the roof, and a World Cup will be incredible to see."
Bale speaks
He was the man of the moment, contributing to the decisive goal that sent Wales to their first World Cup in 64 years.
And Gareth Bale has spoken of their incredible achievement.
He told BBC Sport: "It's difficult to put it into words. It's what we've been working all our careers for and to do this for the fans, the nation, ourselves and our families is an incredible achievement, and it will be something that we will be forever proud of.
"It means everything. It is the last piece of the jigsaw that we all wanted and we're going to celebrate well tonight."
Ampadu delighted
Ethan Ampadu said Wales endured a tough test in the second half, and was relieved to get through.
"It was probably one of the toughest second halves that we've had, maybe the worst second half that we've had," he told the BBC.
"But do you know what we can't complain that we're going to the World Cup, that's all that matters.
"We are going to enjoy the time with the fans now and enjoy getting there."
Beers all around
Neco Williams shared a dressing room snap of himself with Gareth Bale in celebratory mood after Wales' historic win.
The Welsh qualified for their first World Cup in 64 years by defeating Ukraine 1-0 in Cardiff.
And Williams was all smiles with Bale - posting a message and a snap on Twitter.
He wrote: "WE ARE GOING TO A WORLD CUP A DREAM COME TRUE WOW", as he sank a bottle of beer.
'Little Old Wales'
Aaron Ramsey couldn't help but hide his joy with Wales qualifying for the World Cup.
In an emotional interview with Sky Sports at the final whistle, Ramsey spoke of qualification for Qater.
"It's unbelievable, little old Wales in a World Cup! he said.
"To get to three major tournaments, and top it off with a World Cup is something else."
"My best game"
Wayne Hennessey spoke after the game and claimed it was his "Best game in a Wales shirt."
It is hard to argue with the Welsh stopper, he was unbelievable today in between the sticks.
SIR Gareth Bale, MBE
Gareth Bale became Sir Gareth Bale, MBE this week, in what was a great week for the Welshman.
He was awarded the MBE in the Queen's birthday honours list, thanks to his contributions to football and charity.
If you were not aware, Bale made a £500,000 to the NHS during the pandemic, to help NHS staff in Wales.
In the same 24 hours, he also made a 500,000 euro contribution to the Spanish health service.
Zinchenko calls for peace
Oleksandr Zinchenko has called for peace and unity in his homeland after Ukraine were beaten by Wales in the World Cup play off.
The Man City man was reduced to tears in Cardiff, following a 1-0 defeat that saw his side miss out on Qatar.
But in his post-match interview, Zinchenko put football to one side to talk about the war.
He said: "Everyone needs to live in peace. Today is Ukraine, but tomorrow Russian aggression can be with your country."
England will face Wales
Wales faced England in a major competition at EURO 2016, and it was a cracker.
Many, including myself were watching from school classrooms, as Daniel Sturridge grabbed a last minute winner after Gareth Bale scored another free kick in that one.
They will hope for similar fortunes this time round, but this is a stronger Wales opposition.
England vs Wales â Euro 2016Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd High emotion
Referee Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz showed compassion towards Oleksandr Zinchenko as soon as the final whistle went.
Zinchenko, who has been the spokesperson for his country's plight, was seen looking distraught on the pitch at the end of the game.
But the official was quick to console him.
Sometimes there are things bigger than football.
Wicked Brennan Johnson
Brennan Johnson lit up the game when he came on as a substitute in the second half.
The Nottingham Forest man hit the post just after coming on, and can now add playing in the World Cup to his CV, alongside promotion to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest.
Photo of the match
It is hard to go against this one, as Wales celebrate qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 64 years.
Last time they qualified, they were knocked out by a 17-year-old Pele.
Yes, Pele.
Soccer Football â FIFA World Cup â UEFA Qualifiers â Final â Wales v Ukraine â Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, Britain â June 5, 2022 Wales players celebrate after qualifying for the World Cup REUTERS/Rebecca NadenCredit: Reuters World Cup group decided
Wales will join England, Iran and the USA in group B at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
You would expect they have a good chance of getting out of that group too, with the Welsh side more than strong enough to compete with USA and Iran on paper.
Do not be surprised if they throw up a shock against England too, as they almost did in EURO 2016...
Incredi-Bale
Gareth Bale's free kick is what proved to be the difference today, despite being deflected in by Andriy Yarmolenko.
He has been the difference maker for Wales so many times and it was the same old story today.
He was supported by so many of the others today, and credit must go not just to him, but the whole Wales squad who have been excellent leading up to this game, and once again today.
Sir Gareth Bale, MBE.Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun Man of the match
It is unanimous at SunSport that the man of the match today was Wayne Hennessey for Wales.
The shot stopper put in the performance of his career tonight, and is largely responsible for their qualification.
Bale was excellent as he always is for his nation, but it is the GK who takes the plaudits today.
Who was your man of the match?
Pain for Ukraine...
You have to feel for them, they put in a great, great performance today, but it just wouldn't happen for them.
There are so many players in tears here in Wales, you can feel the passion pouring out of the Ukrainian players.
Huge credit should go to those Ukrainian players for even being in this game, let alone performing so well.
We stood with them before this game, and we will stand with them after it, they will be back.
Ukraine lost 1-0 to Wales and Gareth Bale in Cardiff tonight.Credit: EPA Wales qualify for the World Cup!
What a campaign it has been, and what a game it has been too!
It is WALES who qualify for the World Cup, for the first time in 64 years.
The dragon has ROARED!
Desperate times
90+4. Mudryk receives a yellow card for a late challenge.
Wales sub
90+3. Rhys Norrington-Davies comes on in replacement of Neco Williams.
The Liverpool man was excellent today.
Yarmolenko looks for glory
90+3. Yarmolenko shifts the ball onto his right foot and blazes a shot over the bar.
Had that been his left you wouldn't bet against him finding the top corner.
FIVE added minutes
90. There are five minutes of added time here in Wales.
Ukraine are getting desperate now.