Ukrainians, engulfed in the Russian invasion of their country, took pride in their national team after their victory over Scotland on Wednesday in the semi-finals of the European playoff for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, the yellow and blue team needs another remarkable result on Sunday in Wales to secure a qualifying spot that could mark a significant milestone in the global event later this year.
Ukraine returned with a notable 3-1 victory from Scotland, in the postponed semi-final, and now faces a final challenge in Cardiff against Gareth Bale and his teammates for the last remaining European spot. Notably, if Ukraine qualifies for the World Cup for the second time in its history, it will join a politically charged group alongside the United States, England, and Iran.
Ukraine, a former Soviet republic, has qualified for the World Cup once, reaching the quarter-finals in 2006 with their legendary striker Andriy Shevchenko. Wales has also reached the quarter-finals in its only participation in 1958, where they lost by a goal to a young Brazil side featuring Pelé, missing their star player John Charles due to injury. Charles, who passed away in 2004 at the age of 72, is considered one of the greatest players in British history.
Current Wales coach Rob Page described the match against Ukraine as "the most important in Wales' history." Meanwhile, Ukraine coach Oleksandr Petrakov, after the victory on Wednesday in Glasgow, stated, "We played for those who are fighting in the trenches, who are fighting to the last drop of their blood. We played for Ukrainians who suffer every day." He added, "We still have the match against Wales. We will do everything to make Ukrainians proud of us."
Petrakov wanted to enlist to defend his country, but his request was denied as authorities considered he would be more beneficial in his coaching role, guiding the team to the World Cup finals. However, the 64-year-old coach and his players must deliver a successful final round to realize their dream of qualifying for the World Cup.
Artem Dovbyk scored a late third goal for the visitors against Scotland, while his teammates knelt in exhaustion instead of celebrating with him. Scotland's left-back and Liverpool player Andy Robertson mentioned after the match that his team expected the Ukrainians to fade physically after a strong and quick start.
Ukraine star Oleksandr Zinchenko, a left-back for English champions Manchester City, remarked, "We all know that the match against Wales will not be tactical or physical; it will be a matter of life or death." He continued, "Everyone will fight until the end because we will play for our country."
Ukraine's visit to Scotland was postponed from March due to the war that began in February, allowing Ukrainians to participate with minimal disruption. At that time, Wales secured their final spot by defeating Austria, thanks to a beautiful brace from winger Gareth Bale, although they had a slow start in the UEFA Nations League, losing 2-1 to Poland midweek with a weakened squad.
In the last match, Wales coach rested Bale, who left his long and winding career at Real Madrid, along with midfielder Aaron Ramsey. Tottenham defender Ben Davies said, "We understand the situation Ukraine is currently in, and it will be extremely difficult to put ourselves in their shoes." He added, "We know it will be an emotional encounter, and people want good news for Ukraine, but we need to stay away from that atmosphere and focus on 90 minutes of football."
Bale (32 years old) and Ramsey (31 years old) were key players in the squad that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016, and logically, this will be their last opportunity to participate in a World Cup. Wales has a strong home record, remaining unbeaten in 18 matches since 2018. Davies stated, "We've been longing to achieve this for 50-60 years." He added, "This is a big deal for us. It's a dream for our players, and we find ourselves one match away from the finals, so our focus will be on that."
