TALKING POINTS

WALES’ World Cup destiny will be decided by a play-off final against Ukraine in Cardiff.

Today’s winners will claim Europe’s last place for the finals in Qatar later this year.

Here, we look at the main talking points surrounding the Cardiff City Stadium shoot-out.

64 Years Of Hurt

Wales’ only previous appearance at a World Cup came in 1958. Qualification was achieved through a play-off when Wales beat Israel 4-0 over two legs. Wales would go on to reach the quarter-finals in Sweden 64 years ago, losing 1-0 to Brazil and a goal scored by a young Pele. Can Ukraine Find Hampden Energy?

Ukraine emerged from a six-month international break on Wednesday to end Scotland’s World Cup dream.

It was their first competitive match since the country was invaded by Russia. Ukraine were full value for their 3-1 win, but can Andriy Yarmolenko (above) and Co summon up the same reserves of strength just four days on from that emotional Hampden roller-coaster?

Bale Out To Cap Extraordinary Week

It has been a memorable week for Gareth Bale.

The Wales captain

(right) became the first British player to win the Champions League on five occasions when Real Madrid beat Liverpool in Paris last Saturday.

He was then awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his services to football.

Goalkeeper Call THE presence of Wales’ big guns – even if Bale and Aaron Ramsey have had limited game-time in recent months – has come as a relief to Rob Page.

It is unlikely he will stray far from the side which beat Austria 2-1 in their March semi-final.

But boss Page does have a goalkeeping call to make as Danny Ward is available after knee surgery, and the Leicester man could reclaim the gloves from Wayne Hennessey.

Past Meetings

Wales have failed to record a win in three games against Ukraine.

Ukraine won the last meeting 1-0 – a March 2016 friendly in Kyiv, with Yarmolenko scoring the winner.