Ukraine have suffered narrow defeat against Wales in the 2022 World Cup qualification final play-off match.
Olexandr Petrakov used the same starting lineup as five days ago against Scotland (3:1). Four FC Dynamo Kyiv players were among first eleven – goalkeeper Heorhiy Bushchan, defenders Illia Zabarnyi and Olexandr Karavayev, winger Viktor Tsyhankov. Olexandr Syrota, Serhiy Sydorchuk and Mykola Shaparenko started at the bench.
Ukraine were doing really well in the first half and created a number of scoring chances, but conceded the only goal which turned out to be decisive.
Zinchenko hit the target early in the game by taking a free kick, but referee cancelled the goal as Olexandr shot before the whistle.
Malynovskyi and Tsyhankov attempted from distance, Yaremchuk had a good opportunity after pass from Zabarnyi.
Karavayev attempted to finished the Yellow-Blues’ attack from inside the box, but failed. Later Tsyhankov appeared one-one-one with the keeper, but was flagged offside. Zinchenko unleashed decent strike from distance, but Welsh keeper coped with it.
Meanwhile Wales used the only opportunity they had in the first half. 34 minutes into the game, Yarmolenko hit his own goal after free kick by Bale.
Soon after that, Allen fouled against Yarmolenko inside the box, but VAR check didn’t convince referee to award penalty for Ukraine.
The start of the second half could be dramatic for visitors. Ramsey appeared in a very promising position in front of the goal, but missed the target.
Ukraine didn’t use a great opportunity in the 55th minute. Tsyhankov tried to finish after low cross from Mykolenko, Hennessey parried it and Yaremchuk failed with a follow-up. Ten minutes later Malynovskyi attempted with a powerful strike, but missed a bit.
Later in the game, two more Dynamo representatives took the field – Shaparenko and Sydorchuk. Wales could increase the lead as Neco hit the post and then Bushchan parried the shot by Bale from close range.
The Yellow-Blues could equalize again, but Davies blocked the shot by Yarmolenko and Hennessey didn’t let Karavayev head the ball in. Dovbyk attempted from inside the box, but Hennessey did a great job again.
Despite being better in terms of possession (60% vs 40%) and shots quantity (24 vs 9, 9 vs 2 on target), Ukrainians didn’t manage to score.
Thus Wales have qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 64 years.
Thank you, guys, our major Victory is still ahead!
2022 World Cup qualification play-off. Final
05.06.2022. Cardiff, Cardiff City
Wales – Ukraine – 1:0 (1:0)
Ukraine: Bushchan, Mykolenko, Matviyenko, Zabarnyi, Karavayev, Stepanenko (Sydorchuk, 70), Malynovskyi (Shaparenko, 70), Zinchenko, Tsyhankov (Mudryk, 77), Yarmolenko (c), Yaremchuk (Dovbyk, 77).
Goal: Yarmolenko (34, o.g.)
Photo – uefa.com
