The last European participant for the 2022 World Cup was determined today in Cardiff. While Wales' team overcame Austria (2:1) in the semi-final of the Playoff Path A back in March, Ukraine managed to play their long-awaited match against Scotland (3:1) only a few days ago due to Russia's invasion.

Oleksandr Petrakov decided not to change the starting lineup after the game in Glasgow. In fact, even the 23 players on the squad for the match remained exactly the same.

Photo faw.cymru

The teams quickly defined their roles: Ukrainians had more possession and attacked more sharply, while the Welsh oriented themselves towards vertical play. This all took place on a slippery pitch due to rain at Cardiff City Stadium. On the 4th minute, Malinovskiy took a free-kick shot — into the goalkeeper's hands. Later, Williams missed from distance for the hosts, then Hennessey twice reacted to attempts by Tsygankov.

On the 12th minute, Zabarny made an excellent pass from deep play to Yaremchuk in the opponent's penalty area — but Roman did not score well enough — Hennessey managed. Overall, blue-and-yellow continued conducting dangerous attacks. It is worth noting a successful cross by Karavaev, though his right back was denied a shot on goal. Later, Zinchenko powerfully struck from outside the box. Shortly after, Tsygankov almost finished off a beautiful combination — but the goalkeeper got there first.

Photo faw.cymru

Despite this, the hosts opened the score on the 34th minute. Bale executed a set piece near the left corner of the penalty area, and Yarmolenko failed to head it away — deflecting the ball into his own goal. However, before halftime, Ukrainians had chances to equalize, including Hennessey parrying Zinchenko's powerful shot in the far corner.

In the early second half, Welsh could have increased their lead but Remzi failed to hit the empty net after Moore's pass. On the 55th minute, Tsygankov miraculously did not outplay the goalkeeper following Yarmolenko's cross. Later, Davis blocked our captain's shot from a penetrating pass by Tsygankov. The British responded with an incident that James concluded — but Bushchan cleared the ball to the corner. Shortly after, Malinovskiy beautifully fired from distance — close to the post.

Photo faw.cymru

On the 75th minute, the post saved Ukraine's team after Williams' shot into the near corner, and in the next attack our goalkeeper parried Bale's powerful shot from inside the penalty area. Ukrainians did not hold back with a response — Davis blocked Yarmolenko's powerful strike, while Karavaev could not finish off the ball on the far post.

Later, Hennessey managed a long-range shot by Sidorchuk. On the 84th minute, Wales' goalkeeper made an incredible save when he pulled down Dovbik's header from Mikhnenko's delivery. Shortly after Vitaliy fired from distance off a rebound — but Hennessey was again up to it. In added time, Yarmolenko shot over from outside the penalty area...

In summary, the hosts managed to hold onto their lead. Unfortunately, Oleksandr Petrakov's wards stopped just one step away from qualifying for the World Cup that could have been our country's second in history. Now Ukraine's national team awaits June matches of the 2022/2023 Nations League.

World Cup-2022 European Qualification. Playoff

Final

Wales — Ukraine — 1:0 (1:0)

Goal: Yarmolenko (34, own goal).

Wales: Hennessey, N. Williams (Norrington-Davies, 90+3), B. Davies, Rodon, Allen, Ramsey, Bale (c) (Wilson, 83), Moore, Roberts, Ampadu, James (Johnson, 71).

Substitutes: Word, A. Davies, Hunter, Mepham, Morrell, J. Williams, Harris, Thomas, Matondo.

Coach: Rob Page.

Ukraine: Bushchan, Mykolenko, Matviyenko, Zabarny, Karavaev, Stepanenko (Sidorchuk, 70), Malinovskiy (Shaparenko, 70), Zinchenko, Tsygankov (Mudryk, 77), Yarmolenko (c), Yaremchuk (Dovbik, 77).

Substitutes: Pyatov, Ryshnyak, Sobol, Bondar, Syrota, Pichalok, Kachaраба, Zubkov.

Coach: Oleksandr Petrakov.

Referee: Antonio Miguel Mateo Laosa (Spain).

Yellow cards: Allen (3), James (3), Page (51, not on the field) — Mykolenko (32), Mudryk (90+5).

May 5. Cardiff. Cardiff City Stadium.