Wales have qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1958 after beating Ukraine on Sunday evening – and they will now face England in Qatar later this year.
Rob Page’s side went into the second-round qualification play-off tie boosted by both Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale being fully fit, with the latter proving decisive on the night.
Bale’s first-half free kick was diverted past his own goalkeeper by Ukrainian captain Andriy Yarmolenko in what was the only goal of the game.
The visitors pushed Wales hard and will be disappointed to have not at least taken the game to extra time.
Minutes after the own goal, they perhaps should have been awarded a penalty when Joe Allen hacked down Yarmolenko in the box and Wayne Hennessey also made a string of fine saves, while Ben Davies chipped in with some vital blocks.
The victory means Wales complete the line up in Group B at this year’s World Cup alongside England, Iran and USA.
England will take on Wales on 29 November 2022 at the Al Rayyan Stadium in Doha. The game will kick off at 19:00 UK time.
