Wales beat Ukraine in playoff to qualify for first World Cup finals since 1958
"Little old Wales in a World Cup, eh?" says midfielder Aaron Ramsey after the final whistle, while Gareth Bale says it's "what dreams are made of".
Sunday 5 June 2022 23:08, UK
Wales have qualified for their first World Cup finals since 1958 after beating Ukraine 1-0 at the Cardiff City Stadium.
In a rain-soaked play-off final in the Welsh capital, Ukraine's captain, Andriy Yarmolenko, headed into his own net in the 34th minute as he tried to block a free-kick from Gareth Bale.
Wales had goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey to thank for their clean sheet, as he made nine saves to deny the visitors.
The result means Robert Page's men go into Group B for the tournament, beginning in Qatar in November, alongside England, the United States and Iran.
Bale said the result was "what dreams are made of".
He told Sky Sports: "The result is the greatest result in the history of Welsh football. We're ecstatic - we're going to a World Cup.
"I'm speechless. We're so happy. We did it for all our amazing fans and words can't describe how I'm feeling at the moment."
Bale, who has been suffering from a back spasm, said it was "tough to get through the game".
Asked whether talk of his retirement is now being postponed, he replied: "For a little bit."
Midfielder Aaron Ramsey commented: "Little old Wales in a World Cup, eh?"
He added: "To get to three major tournaments now, to top it off with a World Cup, that's something else."
Wales defender Ben Davies said there was a "lot of emotion in the game - it was frantic at times but we stood up to it".
Page said it was "unbelievable" and he was "so proud" of his team.
It was an emotional occasion for Ukrainian fans as they watched their team far from home, where the war against Russia continues.
They wrapped themselves in their nation's flag, looking for hope in dark times.
Coming into the match, they were able to take confidence from Wednesday's 3-1 win over Scotland at Hampden Park.
Despite having some decent chances, however, they were unable to find the net.
Midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko, who plays his club football with Manchester City, said Ukraine had "left everything on the pitch".
He added: "The goalkeeper for Wales did amazing, he is definitely man of the match.
"In general I don't think we deserved to lose, but that's football, it happens."
Alluding to the conflict, he commented: "As footballers we need to represent our country as best we can. Everyone needs to live in peace and we need to stop the war altogether."
'It was absolutely unbelievable'
Nail biting tension and torrential rain were delivered in equal measures at Cardiff City Stadium 鈥� but in the end, Wales held on to give fans something most had never seen in their lifetime.
As the final whistle blew and crowds began to pour out, it was a mixture of shock and celebration. After a 64-year wait, Wales will be on the biggest footballing stage: the World Cup.
"What a time to be alive!" one fan screamed.
Another, Brian, who was at Wales' last World Cup qualification in 1958, said he was "elated".
He added: "It was absolutely unbelievable. Everybody is so happy. I feel a bit for Ukraine, but that's the game of football."
Dashing for cars, taxis and buses, Ukrainians used their nation's flag to shelter from the rain.
Katerina and her 13-year-old son fled the war eight weeks ago and now live with a family in Cardiff.
"We couldn't be more disappointed but we love Wales," she said. "We've lived here for two months and we get so much support here that we've decided that in the upcoming championship, we will support Wales."
Talking about the last few months, she said: "Emotionally, it has been really difficult - but I know that for me as a mother of my 13-year-old son it was the right decision. I am happy to be here and safe."
I asked if she is proud of her country's players, despite the result.
"We love them," she said. "We don't care how they played. We love them."
Katerina's sentiments were echoed by Welsh fans 鈥� who were sensitively aware of what their opposition are experiencing off the pitch.
"What they've been through, they almost deserve to be there without this qualifier," one said. "But in fairness to Wales, we've fought long and hard 鈥� 64 years."
"Certain parts of the match鈥t was difficult to sit and watch, but oh my God it was tense 鈥� but absolutely unbelievable," another told me.
Many Welsh fans who've wished for this glory are now carrying out another search 鈥� flights to Qatar.
"I need a new mortgage!" one joked.