Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

Wales pause World Cup celebrations for wonderful gesture to Ukraine fans

Wales fans and players paid special tributes to Ukraine in the aftermath of the World Cup play-off final encounter between the two teams.

Rob Page's men earned a 1-0 win over Olexandr Petrakov's side at Cardiff City Stadium courtesy of Gareth Bale's free-kick which was deflected in by Andriy Yarmolenko. It means Wales will be playing on the biggest stage of world football for the first time since 1958.

But they briefly put their celebrations to one side shortly after the full-time whistle to pay their respects to Ukraine amid the war-torn country's struggles following Russia's invasion earlier this year.

Read more: Wales end 64 years of pain as World Cup qualification sealed

Ukraine's squad and coaches applauded the 1,800 fans who packed out the away end before producing their own version of the Icelandic clap made famous during Euro 2016. Wales fans around Cardiff City Stadium joined in as Ukraine players looked emotional with the show of respect.

Shortly after the visitors left to head down the tunnel, Wales' own players and staff then walked over to the Ukrainian supporters to clap them for their efforts in extreme adversity.

Wales will face the United States of America, Iran and England in the group stages of the World Cup in November.

Get your Wales World Cup 48-page souvenir special on Saturday, June 11. Order your copy via the online shop here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.