Wales spoiled Ukraine's hopes of playing in the World Cup later this year by defeating the Ukrainian side 1-0 in a qualifying match in Cardiff.
Despite dominating the match while carrying the hopes a country devastated by a war launched more than three months ago by Russia, Ukraine lost its chance to take the dream to the World Cup by the slimmest of margins.
"I think we did everything we could, but I really want the people in Ukraine to remember our team, our efforts," said coach Oleksandr Petrakov said. "I want to say sorry we didn't score, but this is sport."
The single goal that decided the contest came in the 34th minute when Ukrainian captain Andriy Yarmolenko tried to head a free kick by Gareth Bale to safety and succeeded only in deflecting the ball past Ukrainian goalkeeper Heorhiy Bushchan for an own-goal.
Asked what he had said to Yarmolenko after the match, Petrakov said he had simply thanked him and all the players.
"I can only say thank you for everything he did for the team," he said. "I do not have any criticism to any of the players in the team."
The goalkeeping performance from Wayne Hennessey, who made nine saves, sealed the win for Wales.
"We gave everything today, we left everything on the pitch," said Ukraine midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko. "The keeper from Wales did an unbelievable job. He's definitely man of the match with his incredible saves."
Ukraine had dreamed of qualifying for the World Cup and lifting the spirits of the country despite half the team having not played competitive club football since the Russian invasion began.
There were many gestures in Cardiff City Stadium acknowledging Ukraine's struggle before and after the match. The Ukrainian national anthem was applauded by all sides before the game, which about 2,000 supporters of Ukraine attended, and the Welsh players saluted the Ukrainian fans before taking their lap of honor.
Wales, whose only previous World Cup appearance was in 1958, will join England, Iran, and the United States in Group B when the World Cup begins in November in Qatar.
FIFA, the world governing body for international soccer, has barred Russia from playing in the tournament.