THE WELSH CAN’T WIN WITHOUT BALE

WALES boss Chris Coleman admitted that taking on Ukraine in Kiev could leave egg on his face, but while he has not yet cracked how to win without Gareth Bale, this was far from an Easter Monday embarrassment. But the defeat does present problems which Wales will have to solve if they are to threaten at Euro 2016. They showed good courage in possession and matched their more technical opponents on their own turf, but struggled to create very much and conceded once again from a set-piece. Andriy Yarmolenko scored the only goal in the Olympic Stadium from a well-executed free-kick routine. He was continually the key danger in the hosts’ side, but was left unmarked to fire home. Ukraine were chosen as opponents for their ability and Coleman deserves credit for opting to test his players against a side with only two defeats in 15 — both to Spain — and unbeaten in two against England. There were positives to draw here, but this leaves an impression that Wales, also without Aaron Ramsey, are limping towards France. They have only won once in six games — against Andorra at the Cardiff City Stadium. This was a side containing seven of the likely starters when the curtain rises on their campaign this summer, with the defence including goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey set in stone. But just when it seemed like the Welsh might be settling into a rhythm, they fell behind. Jonny Williams tripped Viktor Kovalenko to concede a freekick 30 yards out and Ruslan Rotan deftly chipped the ball into the box. In the same instant, Yarmolenko peeled off the wall and struck a sweet half-volley past Hennessey.