Wales vs Ukraine
And so it all comes down to this.
Who will make Qatar 2022? – Wales, bidding to reach a World Cup for the first time since 1958, or Ukraine, seeking a spot which they last gained in 2006.
World Cup 2022 qualifying comes to Cardiff on Sunday teatime and the prize at stake is a place at the biggest sporting show in earth in 2022.
Talking Points
By the very nature of the situation facing the Ukraine, ever since it was invaded by Russia in February, the majority of neutrals will be willing on Oleksandr Petrakov’s men.
After their 3-1 World Cup play-off win over Scotland earlier this week, the manager dedicated the victory to the country’s troops who are defending their country against attacks.
Not only did they produce World Cup qualifying highlights, but they lifted a nation.
Bars and restaurants in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities were unable to show the match because of a wartime curfew. Instead, solders watched it in the trenches, millions of Ukrainians watched it in the bomb shelters, some fans watched at home, all the while Russian missiles were striking.
Air-raid sirens could also be heard across Kyiv shortly before the players came onto the pitch for an emotional rendition of the Ukraine national anthem.
After the final whistle Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, even sent a message of congratulations to the team which looked comfortable in possession with a serious threat posed on the counter attack.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is deployed at left-back by Manchester City but was sparkling as an attacking midfielder at Hampden with he, Ruslan Malinovskyi and Andriy Yarmolenko continuing to support the lone front man Roman Yaremchuk.
Indeed, Yarmolenko’s opener in Glasgow means he is just three behind Andriy Shevchenko’s record of 48 international goals for Ukraine.
All in all then, they will be out to defy the SBOTOP World Cup qualifying betting odds once again.
Given Ukraine have already shown they can cause a ripple with the best, Wales will know they face a real test if they are to end their 64 year-wait to reach a World Cup.
From the minute they began their campaign in Belgium 15 months ago, Wales knew the play-off route was their most likely path to qualification.
Far from full strength, they were beaten 2-1 by Poland in the Nations League on the same night as Ukraine’s triumph over Scotland.
Rob Page’s side took a lead through Jonny Williams’ sweet strike but were eventually beaten 2-1 thanks to a pair of late quick-fire goals – a result which was hardly a surprise as they rested key men with Sunday in mind.
It was in March when Wales booked their place in this final by beating Austria 2-1 in their semi-final in Cardiff.
Gareth Bale was at his magnificent best that night, scoring a sublime free-kick before firing home a majestic second to secure the win.
That meant Wales have only lost two of their last 25 competitive home games, a run that dates back almost a decade.
And it is that man Bale who all home eyes will be on again this weekend.
During the Covid pandemic it emerged he had made a £500,000 donation to help NHS staff in Wales. Bale and his wife Emma gave the huge sum of money to the official NHS charity of Cardiff and Vale Health Board which focuses on providing extra services for patients and staff that normal NHS funds don’t provide.
In the week in which the Welsh footballing superstar was named an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to football and charity, how fitting it would be if he can lead this group of players to World Cup qualification.
The stakes could barely be higher for two nations, both potentially 90 minutes from history. But there can only be one winner.
History
Wales have yet to beat Ukraine in any of their three meetings.
The first clash came in 2001 when a World Cup qualifier in Cardiff ended one-apiece as John Hartson and Andriy Shevchenko traded goals.
The return qualifier a few months later also finished 1-1 – Hennadiy Zubov and Mark Pembridge the scorers.
Their most recent encounter was a friendly in 2016 when Yarmolenko scored the only goal of the game.
Betting Tip
Wales are slight favourites and priced 1X2 @ 2.58 with the visitors @ 2.92. The draw is on offer @ 2.96.
Asian Handicap odds are also fairly even with Wales -0.25 @ 2.28 and Ukraine -0.25 @ 2.47 among the options.
I do expect there to be goals, though not too many, so how about over 2.25 goals @ 2.19?
This will be close, but I do think Wales, in front of their home support, will have too much for a nation with far more than football on their minds and this could just be one game too far, one emotion too many for the spirited Ukrainians.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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