Wales vs Ukraine LIVE: World Cup play-off final result as Welsh book spot at Qatar 2022

Wales earned their place at a World Cup for the first time since 1958

Wales defenders watch as the ball runs wide (EPA)

Wales ended their 64-year wait for a place in the World Cup finals as they beat Ukraine 1-0 on Sunday to end the war-torn nation’s hopes of reaching Qatar.

An own goal from Ukraine winger Andriy Yarmolenko, who headed a Gareth Bale free-kick into his own net, decided the contest.

Despite the loud and passionate atmosphere, Ukraine were on top from the outset and Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey was busy in the opening half making three vital saves to keep the score level.

It was against the run of play then when Wales grabbed the lead in the 34th minute, Bale fired a low free-kick from 25 metres out and Yarmolenko’s stooping, attempted header clear, flew into the net past the helpless Georgiy Bushchan.

Aaron Ramsey missed a great chance to double Wales’ lead after the break, side-footing wide from a great position and then Neco Williams drilled a well-struck shot against the post.

But Wales, who last appeared in the World Cup finals in 1958. had Henessey to thank again as he pulled off a fine one-handed save from substitute Artem Dovbyk’s powerful header, six minutes from the end.

Wales vs Ukraine: World Cup play-off final

• Wales XI: Hennessey; Ampadu, Rodon, B Davies; C Roberts, Ramsey, Allen, N Williams; Bale, James, Moore.
• Ukraine XI: Bushchan; Karavaev, Zabarnyi, Matvienko, Mykolenko; Stepanenko; Yarmolenko, Malinovskyi, Zinchenko, Tsygankov; Yaremchuk.
• 2 min: Zinchenko goal ruled out after taking free-kick too quickly
• 34 min: Bale scores with deflected free-kick off Yarmolenko
• Full-time: Wales cling on to book place at Qatar 2022

[5 June 2022 18:41 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Wales 1-0 Ukraine

79 min: Sydorchuk with a long-range effort but it’s easily saved by Hennsessey. Ben Davies has made another excellent challenge in the meantime – what a game he’s having.

[5 June 2022 18:37 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Wales 1-0 Ukraine

74 min: Post! Johnson’s first touch of the ball, quite possibly, is a shot which fires low against the woodwork. A moment later Johnson is in the thick of things again and the ball falls for Bale in the box after a Ramsey cross, but his shot is well saved by Bushchan.

Ben Davies blocks off Andriy Yarmolenko (Action Images via Reuters)

[5 June 2022 18:32 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Wales 1-0 Ukraine

71 min: Wales change now, as Dan James is replaced by Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson.

[5 June 2022 18:30 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Wales 1-0 Ukraine

69 min: Zinchenko half-volleys a dangerous cross across the box but none of his teammates anticipate the ball. Ukrainian change: Malinovskyi is replaced by Shaparenko.

[5 June 2022 18:28 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Wales 1-0 Ukraine

66 min: It’s all Ukraine for the past few minutes, and Wales are struggling to keep the ball. Davies this time is the man to make an important challenge on the edge of the box.

[5 June 2022 18:26 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Wales 1-0 Ukraine

63 min: A good challenge by Neco Williams prevents another clear sight of goal. Perhaps Wales need to make a change here.

[5 June 2022 18:21 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Wales 1-0 Ukraine

58 min: A massive tackle by Ben Davies! Tsygankov feeds Yarmolenko running into the box but Davies gets round to make the challenge before Yarmolenko could take on what would have been a clear shot at goal from close range.

Meanwhile, Martin Tyler thinks Gareth Bale should fight to be awarded the goal as it was “going on target”, despite clearly going well off target.

[5 June 2022 18:16 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Wales 1-0 Ukraine

55 min: Another Hennessey save! Tsygankov steered a low cross on target and the Welsh keeper kicked it clear with his trailing leg having already dived the other way. Yaremchuk sprinted on to the rebound but it was all to quick for him to organise a shot on target.

[5 June 2022 18:15 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Wales 1-0 Ukraine

53 min: A really bright few minutes for Wales in what continues to be a brilliant atmosphere. Davies whips in a good cross to the back post where Ramsey brings it down well but can’t pick out a teammate in the middle.

[5 June 2022 18:12 · Lawrence Ostlere]

Wales 1-0 Ukraine

50 min: Wales manager Rob Page is booked for his reaction to a free-kick given against Dan James. Referee Mateu Lahoz does seem to relish dishing out a card.