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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Glen Williams

Gareth Bale leads brilliant rendition of Yma o Hyd as Wales stars brimming with pride and emotion

Gareth Bale led the Wales team's incredible rendition of Yma o Hyd after they beat Ukraine to book a spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The Wales captain was the architect behind the only goal in the 1-0 win over Ukraine, smashing a free-kick towards goal before it deflected off Andriy Yarmalenko and into the back of the net. The win, of course, ended 64 years of hurt, with Wales set to take part in their first World Cup since 1958.

The elation was clear for all to see, especially when the team lined up in front of a sign saying 'Diolch i'r Wal Goch' (Thanks to the Red Wall) as Dafydd Iwan - whose song Yma o Hyd has become synonymous with the Wales football team in recent years - stood in front of them and belted out the anthem.

Read more: Rob Page's men end 64 years of pain as World Cup qualification sealed

Bale took his place, front and centre, as he cocked his head back and screamed out the chorus, along with thousands of Wales fans singing it back at him inside the raucous stadium.

Following his roaring success against Austria, Iwan, 78, was invited to the crunch Wales fixture to get the crowd going once again. Shortly before kick-off and the national anthems, Iwan sang a spine-tingling version of Yma o Hyd to stir up the supporters ahead of the pivotal clash with Ukraine.

But while that was a song to get the crowd going and potentially settle the nerves, the one after the match was brimming with utter euphoria.

Watch below: Wales players sing Yma O Hyd

After the win over Austria in March, boss Rob Page credited Chris Gunter as the man for making Yma o Hyd a dressing room favourite (you can read more on that here.) "The song is very poignant to what we're all about," said Page. "We can all relate to it. We're all passionate Welsh people who love our country."

Ahead of Wales v Ukraine, Connor Roberts admitted he has been a huge admirer of the song since his days at Swansea City. "It was always an anthem for me when I was at Swansea," he said. "When I came here it’s much bigger than it was before. He [Iwan] sang out there against Austria. I’m a bit disappointed we didn't get to go out there and listen to it."

Get your Wales World Cup 48-page souvenir special on Saturday, June 11. Order your copy via the online shop here.

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