Zinchenko on World Cup heartache against Wales

As Wales jubilantly celebrated reaching a first World Cup finals since 1958, Ukraine's players fell to the turf and cried.

The eastern Europeans were hoping to get to the World Cup for a second time.

The war with Russia had taken a huge toll on the players and the country as a whole.

The fact was recognised by Bale, who paused his celebrations at full-time to make his way to each of the crestfallen visitors to console them with a handshake or hug.

The players who lost in the play-off final may be able to take pride in their performance.

There is only pain and dejection right now.

Oleksandr said that every one of them gave everything and left everything on the field.

I don't believe we deserved to lose, but that's football.

Unfortunately we didn't get the result we wanted, but football is about emotions and we can bring them to our fans.

Footballers need to represent our country as best they can.

We need to stop the war, everyone needs to live in peace. Who knows if it'sUkraine today or tomorrow. We have to remain together.

They had previously qualified for the finals of the World Cup in 2006 and were hoping to do it again.

The war has meant their players have had to prepare for the game outside their country, with many of those based in Ukranian having had little or no competitive action since the war began.

After beating Scotland on Wednesday, they made their nation proud and deserved more from their performance on Sunday.

Wales had a strong claim for a penalty when Joe Allen caught Yarmolenko in the box, but the on-field and VAR officials decided not to award it.

Yarmolenko's diving goal in the 34th minute gave the game its final touch.

"I think we did everything we could, but I want the people in Ukranian to remember our efforts," said Petrakov.

I apologize but this is sport.

As he stood up to leave his press conference, he was given a standing ovation by the crowd. I wish you and your team the best of luck in the World Cup.

100 refugees from the war who were given free tickets to the game by the Football Association of Wales were applauded by both sets of players.