The U.S. men’s national team now knows its first test at the 2022 World Cup, and it will be a team that has waited even longer to return the World Cup than the Americans.
Wales defeated Ukraine, 1-0 in a UEFA World Cup qualifying playoff to join the USMNT in World Cup Group B. An own goal from Ukraine captain Andriy Yarmolenko was all Rob Page’s side needed to punch its first World Cup berth in 64 years.
Gareth Bale’s dangerous free kick in the 34th minute was deflected into the Ukraine net after Yarmolenko tried to clear his defensive lines. However, the West Ham United forward watched in disbelief as his clearance snuck past George Buschan and propelled the hosts in front.
Veteran goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was Man of the Match for Wales, totaling nine saves in the victory at Cardiff City Stadium. Ukraine’s run in the qualification playoffs came to a sad ending after Oleksandr Petrakov’s side defeated Scotland on Thursday before falling to Wales today.
Wales now joins the USMNT, England, and Iran in Group B. Gregg Berhalter’s side will face Wales on November 21st in the final match of the opening day’s schedule at the competition.
The USMNT last faced Wales in November 2020, playing out a scoreless draw in Swansea.