Gareth Bale and Wales celebrate World Cup qualification 2022

The reward is a place in Group B in Qatar this winter, along with England, Iran and the USA.

For many fans, this is the first time Wales will appear at a World Cup finals in their lifetime, and at full-time on Sunday the jubilation was plain to see as the players, coaches and fans' dreams came true.

During the match and amid the celebrations afterwards, there was also a strong show of support and solidarity for the Ukrainians, who played while their country continues to suffer the horrors of the Russian invasion.

Wales and Ukraine greet each other before kick-off. Picture: PA Wire

A Ukraine fan displays an anti-war message during his nation's match against Wales. Picture: PA Wire

Wales captain Gareth Bale described the nation's journey from the football wilderness to the World Cup as “crazy”.

Gareth Bale celebrates at full-time. Picture: PA Wire

Little more than a decade ago, Wales were languishing 117th in the world and ranked below Guyana, Haiti and Mozambique.

Caretaker manager Rob Page (right) embraces goalkeeping coach Tony Roberts at full-time. Picture: PA Wire

Bale was part of that young team and has long been his country’s talisman, inspiring Wales to qualify for the European Championship in 2016 and 2020 and now a first World Cup since 1958.

Ben Davies pumps the air at full-time. Picture: PA Wire

“It’s been a crazy journey from where we were to qualify for two European Championships and a World Cup,” Bale said.

“It’s literally what dreams are made of, especially for all of us who have been there from the start.

Players celebrate Wales' first World Cup qualification since 1958. Picture: PA Wire

Bale added: “We’ve paved the way for the youngsters as well, we’ve welcomed them in and it’s hard to describe what it means to us."

Wales' Red Wall was in fine voice throughout the game. Picture: PA Wire

World Cup qualification comes after a personal milestone for Bale at club level - he became the most decorated British player in Champions League history when Real Madrid beat Liverpool last week.

Gareth Bale with his children after Wales sealed a place at the World Cup. Picture: PA Wire

The 32-year-old won European football’s top competition five times during his nine-year stay in Spain, and he says playing at a World Cup will complete his playing CV.

Celebrations after the final whistle - Wales are going to the World Cup. Picture: PA Wire

He said: “If you’d asked me when I was a young kid to do what I’ve done in my career…I would have taken 10 per cent of it.

“This is the final piece in the jigsaw, to play at a World Cup."

Kieffer Moore displays a personal message after the match. Picture: PA Wire

Bale added: “To do what we’ve done for this nation, to put them on the world stage, the world map, it’s everything for these fans. That’s what we try to do for them."

Joyous scenes at the final whistle in Cardiff. Picture: PA Wire

On Wales' journey, Bale said: “We’ve had some horrible downs, some incredible highs.

“We’ve stayed kind of level and focused through the whole journey.

“It probably wasn’t the best performance but, in finals, it doesn’t matter.”

Rob Page has overseen Wales' most successful World Cup qualifying attempt for more than 60 years. Picture: PA Wire

He also paid tribute to goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, who made nine saves in a defiant man-of-the-match display.

“It was the best from a goalkeeper I’ve ever seen. Honestly it was insane,” Bale said.

Gareth Bale and Wayne Hennessey embrace after the final whistle. Picture: PA Wire

“Wayne’s doesn’t get the credit he deserves," Bale added. "He’s a legend. It’s not just nine saves, but important saves, big saves.

“He kept us in the game and I wouldn’t swap him for any other goalkeeper in the world. Not even close.”

Gareth Bale will be on his way to Qatar this winter. Picture: PA Wire

Additional reporting by Phil Blanche, PA