Ukraine’s hopes of qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup are over, after losing to Wales 1-0
Ukraine’s men’s soccer team lost their World Cup qualifying match against Wales, 1-0.
Despite losing their chance to compete at the World Cup in Qatar, the team spirit during the qualifying tournament has not gone unnoticed.
The men’s soccer team faced off against Wales, with hopes of a victory to send them through to their first World Cup in 64 years.
However, Wales stole the title, with a 1-0 win.
Ukraine predominately dominated the match, also scoring a goal from a free-kick, which was later disqualified for the player taking the strike before the referee’s whistle had blown.
Wales scored in the back half, sealing their path to the Qatar World Cup, kicking off in November.
Despite the score, Ukraine’s participation throughout the tournament has been remarkable.
As the war wages on in their home country, players and fans sang the National Anthem with such pride.
The footballers have been the brightest of lights in the darkest of times, with the nation’s yellow and blue flags flooding the stadiums.
In a show of solidarity, the Welsh Football Association also handed out tickets to Ukrainian refugees living nearby.
Because to Ukraine, this was far more than just a game.