‘World Cup qualification is absolutely incredible’
WALES UKRAINE 1 0
WALES ended their 64-year wait to play at a World Cup finals by beating Ukraine in a pulsating play-off final in Cardiff.
Gareth Bale, so often the Wales talisman, once again produced the decisive moment with his 34thminute free-kick headed into his own net by Andriy Yarmolenko.
But it was goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey who took the man-ofthe-match honours with a quite outstanding display that kept the gifted Ukrainians at bay. Hennessey, who made nine saves to help repel the vistiors, ranked his display in Cardiff as his best for his country.
He explained: “It’s absolutely incredible. Not just for me, but everybody who’s been on this pitch tonight, absolutely amazing. The lads who didn’t get on, the staff, everyone, fully deserves this through this campaign.
“I probably think that’s my best game in a Welsh shirt to be honest, at such a key stage, obviously. But we have to give credit to Ukraine, they’re a fantastic team. Gareth, unbelievable free-kick again, so I’m buzzing.
“It’s unexplainable. He’s just so dangerous at free-kicks. When he’s on the field stuff happens and for me he’s an amazing talent, a joy to watch.”
Bale hinted Wales’ triumph will force him to put any thoughts about a possible retirement on hold.
He said with a smile “for a little bit”, adding: “It’s the greatest result in the history of Welsh football.
“I’m just delighted we are going to a World Cup. It means everything, it’s what dreams are made of. I’m speechless. I’m so glad we’ve done it for these amazing fans.”
The former Tottenham and Real Madrid forward said he had nothing left to give when replaced by Wilson in the 83rd minute.
He added: “It was difficult. I haven’t played too much football these last three or four weeks because of my back spasm, but the most important thing was to get through. I give my all. I was running on empty, but we’ve got good people on the bench to do a good job.”
Defender Ben Davies described Wales’ qualification for the World Cup finals as “a dream come true”.
He added: “There was a lot of emotion in this game, but we stood up brilliantly. Every challenge they threw at us we dealt with. It’s just incredible, a dream come true, as a squad we’ve worked so hard for this. We may not have the most talented group, but we give it everything we’ve got.”
Midfielder Aaron Ramsey added: “It’s unbelievable! Little old Wales at the World Cup. To get to three major tournaments means so much to me and to top it off with a World Cup, it’s amazing.”
Head 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.
Page said: “It’s unbelievable. I’m so proud of these boys.
“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.
“I was more excited than nervous before kick-off because I trust these lads. I see them in training and have complete faith in these lads.”