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    Aaron Ramsey battles with Ruslan Malinovski in midfield

    " src="https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/06/05/17/1401181732.jpg?quality=75&width=982&height=726&auto=webp" srcset="https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/06/05/17/1401181732.jpg?quality=75&width=320&auto=webp&crop=982:726,smart 320w, https://static.independent.co.uk/2022/06/05/17/1401181732.jpg?quality=75&width=640&auto=webp&crop=982:726,smart 640w">

    Aaron Ramsey battles with Ruslan Malinovski in midfield

    (Getty Images)

    Wales are one win away from ending their 64-year wait for a place at the World Cup as they face a Ukraine team who are on the verge of completing one of the most remarkable qualification stories in the history of the tournament.

    An electric atmosphere awaits in Cardiff as Wales host the play-off final for the final European place at the Qatar World Cup, after the match was delayed due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Despite the ongoing war and amid emotional scenes at Hampden on Wednesday, Ukraine produced a stunning performance to break Scotland’s hearts in the semi-final, with Wales having already progressed past Austria back in March.

    Gareth Bale was key for Wales as he produced a magical double to defeat Austria and a nation’s hopes will once again turn towards the forward at the Cardiff City Stadium. If Bale was to guide Wales to a World Cup place it would add to his legend with the national team, after previous heroics in qualifying for the European Championships.

    Ukraine will have been left drained by their efforts in Glasgow four days ago but their players have been inspired by the opportunity to provide joy, hope and pride for a country that suffered in the face of the Russian invasion. Oleksandr Zinchenko has led his side superbly and if Ukraine were to advance to the World Cup it would represent a momentous victory amid the most challenging of circumstances. Follow live updates from Wales vs Ukraine, below:

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    Wales 0-0 Ukraine

    28 min: More Ukraine chances, first for Tsygankov who is through on goal and fires wide of the far post, before Zinchenko brings another save from Hennessey. Yarmolenko is starting to get into the game, too.

    Lawrence Ostlere5 June 2022 17:33

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    Wales 0-0 Ukraine

    23 min: Ramsey shows his quality with a perfect cross from the right side through the six-yard box, but Moore and Bale don’t quite anticipate the delivery and it whistles through to the opposite side untouched.

    Lawrence Ostlere5 June 2022 17:27

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    Wales 0-0 Ukraine

    21 min: Bale’s first effort of the game is an ambitious long-range shot which rises too high. Ukraine probe at the other end and Davies makes an important block to take the sting out of the final shot in the box.

    Lawrence Ostlere5 June 2022 17:25

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    Wales 0-0 Ukraine

    17 min: The corner is taken short but it’s a bit sloppy from Rodon in the centre, who was lingering in an offside position. Wales come again down the left where Neco Williams is becoming a good out-ball at left wing-back, though on this ocassion the pass is too long for the Liverpool defender.

    Lawrence Ostlere5 June 2022 17:22

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    Wales 0-0 Ukraine

    15 min: A quick counter by Wales down the left earns them a corner after James’ cross is blocked.

    Lawrence Ostlere5 June 2022 17:19

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    Wales 0-0 Ukraine

    11 min: Good from Ukraine, this. They have some good control in midfield, and when Wales do pinch it back they are struggling to find an outlet.

    Hennessey is forced into another early save and then Rodon is caught on the ball under pressure by Zinchenko, but just about gets away with it. Wales need a few minutes of calm passing because the high tempo isn’t suiting them.

    Lawrence Ostlere5 June 2022 17:15

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    Wales 0-0 Ukraine

    8 min: A couple of corners come into the Wales box but are well defended. This is a high-paced and attacking opening period in a raucous atmosphere, so it will be interesting to see how the game settles down, if and when it does.

    Lawrence Ostlere5 June 2022 17:13

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    Wales 0-0 Ukraine

    7 min: Neco Williams with a good dart inside from the left into a shooting position, but he fires wide of the near post. A bright few minutes by the Welsh after a shaky start, but a moment later Tsygankov gets in a similar position at the other end and forces a low stop from Hennessey. Corner to Ukraine.

    Lawrence Ostlere5 June 2022 17:11

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    Wales 0-0 Ukraine

    4 min: Wales finally start to get their collective foot on the ball and sustain an attack in the Ukrainian half. They win a corner which is well punched clear by Bushchan in goal.

    Lawrence Ostlere5 June 2022 17:08

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    Wales 0-0 Ukraine

    2 min: A terrible start for Wales here – Allen is booked for a lunge after losing control in his own half, and James is also shown yellow for arguing. Pointless by both. Zinchenko then scores with a quickly taken free-kick but the referee is not happy with that and calls play back, it was taken too quickly. Hennessey saves the second attempt.

    Lawrence Ostlere5 June 2022 17:07

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