Just over a week ago Wales played Ukraine in football with the winner of the match going to the World Cup.
Wales won this nail-biter of a match by one goal, which was an own goal from Ukrainian footballer Andriy Yarmolenko, following a free kick from Gareth Bale.
The last time Wales qualified for the World Cup was 64 years ago. So this was a major win for both the team and the country.
Who is Gareth Bale?
Captain of the Welsh team Gareth Bale said this result was the greatest in Welsh Football History, which highlights the importance that this match had for so many people.
Bale joined Real Madrid in 2013 from Tottenham for an £85.1 million transfer fee. He then went on to win five champions leagues titles with this club, yet has now left after his contract came to a close.
Wayne Hennessey, who is the Welsh goalkeeper, was specifically thanked and recognised by Bale. This is due to Hennessey making nine saves during this match, which kept the score at 1-0 for Wales.
He made some amazing saves, and Bale stated how he would not trade or swap this goalkeeper for anyone else in the world. Bale believes Hennessey is one of the best players that recent football has seen and that he does not always get the credit that he deserves.
A huge well done to Ukraine
People have praised the Ukrainian team for playing while their country is currently in the midst of Putin’s Russian invasion, and these players, fans, and coaches should all be heavily praised. They continued to put in so much work while their home and backdrop is currently under so much pressure.
Wales will be in the World Cup, which starts in November 2022, so make sure you get your red dragons and flags at the ready to support the team. This is a major accomplishment in itself after 64 years away from football’s biggest stage.
