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An almighty effort from Wales was enough to clinch victory over Ukraine in a white-hot atmosphere in Cardiff and send Wales to the World Cup Finals.
The eyes of the world were on this game of course, with events outside the game adding to the international interest. Reporters from Germany, France and the USA sat alongside were present in the press box.
Wales manager Robert Page explained “most of the world want Ukraine to get through”, in reference to the worldwide sympathy for the visitors arising from the Russian invasion of their homeland.
Ukrainian refugees in the UK had been offered tickets to the big game in Cardiff and the Football Association of Wales had invited the UK’s Ukrainian ambassador to the match.
The Welsh government also gave the visiting team and their delegates an official “warm Welsh welcome” in support of the people of Ukraine.
Page picked a strong looking, attack-minded XI as Wales sought to qualify for their first finals since 1958. Gareth Bale led the Welshmen ahead of names such as Aaron Ramsey, Daniel James and Kieffer Moore.
Visiting coach Oleksandr Petrakov included Manchester City’s Oleksander Zinchenko, Andriy Yarmolenko of West Ham United as skipper and Benfica’s Roman Yaremchuck in his starting line-up. Georgiy Bushcan kept his place in goal from the side which defeated Scotland 3-1 to set up the trip to the Welsh capital, despite a variety of nervy moments displayed at Hampden Park.
The Ukrainian anthem received a tremendous ovation from the home crowd before a spine-tingling acapella rendition of Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of my fathers).
Passions were high on the pitch too and Spanish referee Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz showed midfielder Joe Allen and winger Dan James early yellow cards before Zinchenko fired home the resultant free-kick, only for the Spanish official to order a retake, which Wayne Hennessey saved.
It was a breathless opening as Wales surged forward to earn a corner on five minutes which Bushchan punched clear. At the other end, Hennessy pushed away two chances for early corners to the visitors. The Burnley keeper was much the busier of the two custodians in a frenetic opening.
Bale was full of twists and tricks as he sought to drive Wales on before a vibrant home crowd. Dan James, Connor Roberts and Neco Williams posed a threat down the flanks. Zinchenko pulled all the strings in midfield for the hosts and was a constant threat.
Viktor Tsygankov raced clear for the visitors after half an hour but put his shot wide. An offside flag was seen though to ease his pain.
Vitalii Mykolenko of Everton saw yellow for using a forearm to repel Dan James who was also sent tumbling shortly afterwards. Cometh the hour Cometh that man – the Welsh skipper Bale fired home the resultant free-kick, queuing pandemonium.
Yarmolenko was “credited” with an own goal due to a deflection but it was Bale who led the celebrations.
The goal dampened the spirits of the visiting support a little as the home fans delivered their full repertoire of rousing numbers.
Whilst the half-time lead may have flattered the hosts against their impressive visitors, few in the home seats were too concerned about that, and were well aware that their side were on the cusp of history.
The second half again saw the visitors enjoy more of the ball while James and Williams continued to cause danger when Wales pushed on.
As time played out, the Spanish referee started to receive backlash from those in Welsh colours for some peculiar decisions. He did his popularity no favours in the booking Page.
A jaw-dropping exchange brought a miraculous save from the feet of Hennessey as Yaremchuck looked set to equalise. Ben Davies also rescued the hosts with a swift interception as the Welsh goal led a charmed life.
James lobbed narrowly over to win a corner with half an hour to go. A second goal would settle the jangling nerves in this packed arena. “Calon Lan” boomed out from the Welsh throats.
Zinchenko blazed a shot across the face of the goal with no countryman able to grab a touch.
Page introduced the talented Forest youngster Brennan Johnson for James with 20 minutes of the 90 left.
Ukraine continued to hold the upper hand but could not create that golden opportunity. The home fans in the crowd of 32,660 belted out the anthem. Johnson hit the post. Bale went close. More nervous moments in close proximity to the Welsh goal.
Page replaced Bale with Fulham’s Harry Wilson on 83 minutes. Cue a wonder save from Hennessey!
A free-kick from Wilson was deflected for an unproductive as the remarkable Hennessey continued to stop anything the energetic visitors could fire at him.
The home fans roared out their 2016 anthem “Don’t Take Me Home” as the game reached 90 minutes. It was overpowering.
5 minutes of added time! Wales defended as if their lives depended on it. Every scrap of possession seemed to fall to the blue shirted visitors. Page replaced Williams with Rhys Norrington-Davies in a bid to interrupt the flow.
Wales saw out the last few nervous moments to cue scenes of wild celebration in the stands as Wales finally ended that hoodoo of 1958.
The Welsh boys can now look forward to the World Cup finals for the first time in most fans’ memory. A party in Cardiff erupted as the players and fans threw 64 years of waiting into their celebrations. Those in red can now look forward to at least three huge World Cup encounters, including one with an old rival…
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