Wales spoil Ukraine dreams to reach first World Cup in 64 years

Wales ended their 64-year wait for a place in the World Cup finals as they beat Ukraine 1-0 on Sunday to end the conflict-torn nation's hopes of reaching Qatar.

Gareth Bale, so often Wales’ talisman, again produced the decisive moment with his 34th-minute free-kick headed into his own net by Andriy Yarmolenko.

But Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey took the man-of-the-match honours with an outstanding display that kept the gifted Ukrainians at bay.

Coach Rob Page saluted his players and the fans after seeing them clinch a place at the World Cup finals for the first time since 1958.

“It’s unbelievable. I’m so proud of these boys," he said. "They thoroughly deserved that. The one thing they needed was a World Cup and they’ve got it.

“The fans were incredible. They’re the best supporters in world football, I’m telling you. They helped us from the first minute and deserve all the credit."

More than six decades after reaching their one and only World Cup in Sweden in 1958, Wales are back at football’s global table.

CWPAN Y BYD!!!! pic.twitter.com/5KP0FmJav4

And, just like at Euro 2016 in France, Wales will find themselves in the same group as England, with Iran and the United States for company.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, and the conflict that has ensued, made Ukraine the choice of neutrals.

But, as Bale said before kick-off, Wales could not show compassion on the field and that proved to be the case when nerves were stretched to the limit.

Bale, despite being woefully short of game-time as his Real Madrid career drew to an inauspicious close, had dragged Wales over the semi-final line against Austria with a brilliant brace.

He had played just 30 minutes of football since that Austria win on March 24, but he led