Wales (National Football)

Ukraine is one win away from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup after a 3-1 win over Scotland in Wednesday's playoff semifinal.

After winning in a road environment in Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland, Ukraine will now travel to face Wales in Cardiff on Saturday with the winner earning a ticket to Qatar.

The UEFA qualifying playoff was initially scheduled to take place in March, but it was postponed because of Russia's military invasion of Ukraine. The national team didn't return to the pitch until participating in a friendly in May.

Ukraine came out strong against Scotland and earned a win thanks to goals from Andriy Yarmolenko, Roman Yaremchuk and Artem Dovbyk.

The visiting team came out with a lot of energy and created several quality attempts before finally breaking through in the 33rd minute. Yarmolenko beat the back line and came through with an outstanding finish to give his side the 1-0 advantage:

Early in the second half, Ukraine doubled the lead on a header from Yaremchuk:

Though Scotland has a roster featuring several Premier League players, the squad was thoroughly outplayed for much of the match.

Ukraine controlled 58 percent of possession and had eight shots on goal, compared to just four for Scotland.

There was still drama late as Scotland finally got on the scoresheet in the 79th minute. Callum McGregor took advantage of a mistake from goalkeeper Georgiy Bushchan to cut the margin to 2-1.

Scotland still couldn't find the equalizer, and Ukraine finally sealed it in the 95th minute:

The squad will try to keep the momentum for four more days with Wales looming in the final round of the playoff.

Wales defeated Austria in the previous round behind two goals from Gareth Bale.    

Hungary manager Marco Rossi has warned of the threat posed by Wales winger Daniel James ahead of their crunch UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier on Tuesday, comparing the speedster to France star Kylian Mbappe.

Wales host Group E opponents Hungary at the Cardiff City Stadium knowing only a win will be enough to see them finish second in the standings and secure automatic qualification to Euro 2020. 

Rossi called the Manchester United forward "unbelievable" and told reporters that James' pace was of a standard matched only by a player like Paris Saint-Germain ace Mbappe:

"James is a player that is playing with a motor bicycle because he is really fast.

"I have never seen someone in the last period as fast as him, maybe Mbappe. He's unbelievable.

"If we leave him (James) space to run he could be dangerous.

"This could be the key, but we work a lot on the defensive line and will try to give confidence to our players."

Hungary are second in Group E heading into the final matchday, but either Wales or Rossi's side could still finish as low as fourth should Slovakia beat Azerbaijan at home as expected.

James, 22, has scored twice in nine senior appearances for Wales, and Tuesday's fixture falls almost one year to the day after he made his international debut in a 1-0 friendly defeat to Albania (Nov. 20, 2018).

The youngster completed a £15 million transfer to United from Swansea City this past summer, but he was earning comparisons with Mbappe even as a Championship player, via BT Sport:

That searing goalscoring run from his own half during a 4-1 win over Brentford in the fifth round of last season's FA Cup put James in an elite speed category, per The Times:

It's incredible to think 2018 FIFA World Cup winner Mbappe is two years younger than his Welsh counterpart, although employers United would surely be excited to see James reach his standards. 

The Red Devil exploded onto the Premier League stage with three goals in his first four top-flight appearances for United, although he hasn't found the target since August.

His speed has been a useful tool in optimising the United attack as a whole. Statman Dave praised his swiftness after he assisted Marcus Rashford in a 1-1 draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool in October:

James showcased different qualities when Wales beat Azerbaijan in a crucial qualifier on Saturday, with his long-range effort helping set up team-mate Harry Wilson for an easy goal, via Sky Sports:

Given the comparisons also made between him and Wales coach Ryan Giggs, it's understandable James couldn't ask for a much better mentor than the United icon.

Wales boast other top-class threats in the likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey, but it's James' Mbappe-esque pace in particular that appears to have Hungary on high alert.

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale has become Wales' all-time record goalscorer after netting a hat-trick against China in Ryan Giggs' first game in charge. 

The 28-year-old overtook Ian Rush at the top of the chart with his 27th, 28th and 29th goals for Wales during a routine 6-0 win for the Welsh national team in the China Cup semi-final.

All three goals were good finishes from Bale, who will go down as one of the nation's greatest players following his record-breaking goal haul—and his exploits during Euro 2016.

"It is a massive honour and achievement for me," Bale told BBC Sport Wales. "I suppose when I was a little boy I never dreamed of being a record-breaker for Wales. But now it has come it's an incredible honour and one of the best things I've achieved in my career."

Bale made his debut for Wales in May 2006, coming off the bench in a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago to become the youngest-ever Wales international, at 16 years and 315 days. That record has since been surpassed by Harry Wilson in November 2012.

And the Welshman broke another record just over a year later, becoming the nation's youngest goalscorer when he scored a direct free-kick in a Euro 2008 qualifying match against Slovakia in October 2006. 

But the highlight of his illustrious Wales career so far was undoubtedly the run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 in France, in which Bale played a key role. After Wales qualified for their first major tournament since 1958, Bale scored in all three group-stage matches—including a long-range free-kick against England—and was instrumental in the famous 3-1 victory over Belgium in the quarter-final.

Bale's three goals in China could provide a confidence boost when he returns to club football with Real Madrid. His side may be out of the title race—trailing Barcelona by 15 points—but they play Juventus in the Champions League quarter-finals at the beginning of April. 

On a personal level, Bale had only netted three times in his last 12 appearances in all competitions for Real prior to joining up with his Wales team-mates. Consequently this hat-trick, and the record that comes with it, could help the 28-year-old maintain form in what has been another injury-hit season.

Not that Bale will be thinking about Real just yet, with another international friendly coming up on Monday in the China Cup final, to be played against the winner of Czech Republic vs. Uruguay.

Wales may have failed to make this summer's World Cup, but following their thumping victory in China Bale and the Welsh national team will be hopeful of a successful European Championships qualification campaign under Giggs. 

Wales manager Ryan Giggs has said he will be without Aaron Ramsey for the upcoming China Cup because of a "small procedure" being done during the international break, per James Nursey for the Mirror.

Ramsey is set to play in the UEFA Europa League round-of-16 second-leg tie against AC Milan at Emirates Stadium on Thursday, but he will not join up with his Wales team-mates at the end of March. 

"We have been in discussions with Aaron and Arsenal over the past couple of weeks," Giggs said. "He will have a small procedure, but it is the ideal time to get that done."

Although disappointed by the news, Giggs was keen to highlight that Ramsey's absence gives others a chance to step up and impress. The 44-year-old has named five uncapped players for the China Cup, including Swansea City right-back Connor Roberts and Preston North End's Billy Bodin.

"It is a blow because you want your best players to travel, and I want to win the China Cup," Giggs added. "Gareth [Bale] lights up the pitch whenever he is on it. Hopefully all the players selected will get through the weekend. It gives a chance for a lot of these players to show what they can do."

The former Manchester United winger still has several options to call upon in midfield in Joe Ledley, Andy King and Joe Allen, but Ramsey will be missed.

He carries more of an attacking and creative threat than that trio, and he also brings endurance and industry to Wales' engine room.

If the midfielder is to continue to do that during his peak years, one requisite is he stays fit. It is perhaps with this in mind that Giggs has allowed Ramsey to skip the friendlies and get the procedure he needs.

Ryan Giggs has been named as manager of the Wales national team, signing a four-year deal. 

Confirmation of the appointment came via BBC Sport on Monday, with Giggs taking over after Chris Coleman departed the role in November to take up the Sunderland manager's role.

Wales failed to reach the 2018 World Cup in Coleman's last campaign in charge.

The team's official Twitter account revealed his appointment via a video:

Giggs had been assistant to Louis van Gaal at former club Manchester United during the Dutchman's two-year spell in charge of the Red Devils. When Jose Mourinho was appointed as his successor, the club legend lost his spot as No. 2.

Since then, he's taken part in the Premier Futsal tournament in India and was also part of the ITV punditry team during the UEFA European Championship in 2016.

The former winger has sampled management previously, having taken temporary charge at United during the final stages of the 2013-14 season after the sacking of David Moyes. Giggs guided the Red Devils to two wins, one draw and one defeat from his four games at the helm.

Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe is anticipating watching Giggs in a permanent stint in the dugout:

If his managerial career yields half as much success as his playing days, he will be a major hit for Wales. The left-sided star won the league an incredible 13 times with the Red Devils before retiring, making him one of the most decorated players in the history of the English game.

While he wasn't renowned for his leadership at United, Giggs did captain the club on numerous occasions and possesses an incomparable amount of experience.

He also earned 64 caps for the Welsh side during his playing days, though as Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer noted, Giggs often pulled out of squads, particularly for friendlies:

While that record perhaps leaves him with some questions to answer—particularly in the eyes of supporters—his playing experience for the team, along with the accolades he accrued in his club career, should ensure he demands respect from the players he will now be in charge of.

Despite missing out on the World Cup, Wales have developed into a much stronger team in recent years than they were in Giggs' playing days having reached the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2016.

The United legend's task will be to keep the team at that level and develop them further, so Giggs' first foray into full-time management will be a difficult one.

Ryan Giggs is expected to be named the new manager of the Wales national team on Monday, according to Sky Sports News, with the same source detailing the contract the Manchester United legend is set to sign:

Giggs was capped 64 times for the Dragons during his playing days but won more at club level. He has also yet to take a senior managerial job, having only assumed temporary charge of United in 2014 before working as an assistant to Louis van Gaal for two seasons at Old Trafford.

Given his lack of experience, questions will naturally be raised about Giggs' suitability to succeed Chris Coleman. The former Fulham boss left to take over Championship side Sunderland but was highly successful during his time on the international stage.

Coleman guided Wales to the semi-final of UEFA Euro 2016 before losing to eventual champions Portugal. However, he couldn't ensure qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

It means the new manager will be left to rebuild confidence within a squad not lacking for talented players, particularly Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale and Arsenal playmaker Aaron Ramsey.

Giggs wasn't the only former Wales player interviewed for the job. Ex-Norwich City, Newcastle United and Cardiff City striker Craig Bellamy was also in the running, along with Osian Roberts.

A report from BBC Sport revealed how "Bellamy and Roberts, who is the FAW's technical director, also had their supporters at Welsh football's governing body."

Giggs will now face the tall order of proving his doubters wrong while trying to make Wales a force again internationally after decades of overall struggle.

Wales are reportedly considering Arsenal legend Thierry Henry as a potential candidate for their vacant managerial post.

As noted by Sky Sports News, former boss Chris Coleman took training on Sunday at Sunderland ahead of official confirmation that he will be their next manager, leaving the Welsh position open.

According to Neil Moxley of the Sunday Mirror, the Welsh FA are eyeing an ambitious swoop for Henry, who is currently an assistant manager with Belgium and a pundit on Sky Sports.

According to the piece, the 40-year-old does have "ambitions to move into management in the long term," and Moxley noted Henry will "have to fight off competition from favourite Ryan Giggs and cult hero Craig Bellamy" for the role.

The news of Coleman's departure from the national team position did come as something of a surprise, especially to take over a Sunderland team languishing in the lower reaches of the Championship.

Journalist Kristan Heneage suggested the decision represents a gamble on the part of Wales and Coleman himself:

The void he will leave is a massive one, though, as the team enjoyed a tremendous ascension under his guidance.

Wales may not have qualified for next summer's FIFA World Cup, but they memorably made it to the semi-final of the 2016 UEFA European Championship. Coleman also steered the team to an all-time high of eighth in the FIFA rankings.

The concern for Welsh fans will be finding someone to step in and carry on the good work done. Henry would undoubtedly be an interesting appointment.

The Frenchman enjoyed a remarkable playing career with both Arsenal and Barcelona and is rated as one of the finest strikers of his generation. He won the Premier League twice and the UEFA Champions League and La Liga on two occasions during his time at Barcelona.

While he has no experience as a manager, the work done by Henry as a coach has previously been praised by Manchester United and Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku.

"Thierry for me is the best," said the forward, per Alex Smith of the Daily Mirror. "Every day whether it is positive and negative I take it in my stride because I know what is expected from the top level. Working with him in Belgium I really take my time with him asking questions, I don't take him for granted, I sometimes ask him questions for two hours."