FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers

Nation ends 64-year WC torture; Ukraine dreams shattered by horror own goal

Bale’s free-kick, which was turned into his own net by Ukrainian captain Andriy Yarmolenko, separated the sides despite the visitors dominating the game at the Cardiff City Stadium.

“The result is the greatest result in history of Welsh football,” said Bale, who previously led his country to the semi-finals of Euro 2016. “It’s what dreams are made of.

“I’m speechless because we’re so happy. We did it for all our amazing fans in the country. Words can’t describe our feelings at the moment.”

Kapuls Face Al Maha FC in Friendly

Team Manager, Joe Ealedona said the boys had their first training in world-class facilities yesterday and are enjoying the atmosphere ready for game time.

“Their first friendly today is against Al Maha and another club here next week. These are teams from the Qatar second tier. I am told Al Maha is a very good team and these teams are professional clubs so it's good for the Kapuls,” he said

Ealedona said the team remains positive and are looking forward to the two practice games should enable the coach to finalise his first 11 against New Zealand on 18 March.

Kapi Natto Challenges Kapuls

The Kapuls are in Pool B up against New Zealand, New Caledonia and Fiji.

PNGFA President, John Kapi Natto when addressing the PNGFA Kapuls fundraiser dinner at the Dynasty restaurant on Thursday evening, thanked Prime Minister James Marape, Sports Minister Wesley Raminai and major sponsors among dignitaries for showing their support to the national men’s team.

Kapi Natto congratulated Kapul’s head coach Marcos Gusmao and his 30-man squad for making the final cut.

Football giants on World Cup collision course in playoff shock

The Azzurri and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal both finished second in their qualifying groups, behind Switzerland and Serbia respectively.

Italy will host North Macedonia in the play-off first round in March, with Turkey visiting Portugal, before the winners face off for a spot at next year’s finals in Qatar.

The draw means that one of the last two European Championship winners will not be at the next World Cup. Portugal won the Euro 2016 title.

The winners of Portugal’s match with Turkey will host the final-round game in Path C.