Zinchenko sends powerful message following Ukraine's emotional defeat to Wales

Ukraine star Oleksandr Zinchenko insists that his fellow countrymen "left everything on the pitch" during their dramatic 1-0 defeat away at Wales - ending their World Cup hopes.

The Manchester City star was one of many Ukraine players who can come away from the World Cup qualification process with immense pride - particularly amid the backdrop of heartache and suffering going on in their home country after the recent Russian invasion.

Zinchenko has been a perfect example of leadership in the face of adversity and constantly faced the media to discuss the need for peace and call for unity in the face of such heart-breaking struggle.

Reflecting on the 90 minutes first, the City star told Sky Sports: "First of all I would like to say a massive thanks to the support we received during this time.

"It isn't necessary to speak about the game because every one of us gave everything today, we left everything on the pitch, and the keeper from Wales did an unbelievable job. He was definitely man of the match, it was incredible saves.

"In general I don't think we deserved to lose, it was such a tight game, so tough. I used to, when I was a kid, I grew up and after a fight you couldn't fight again. If you lost, you lost. But life you need to carry on, we need to work as a team. I wish all the best for Wales for the World Cup. A long time they haven't been there. That's it."

Zinchenko then opted to open up on how emotional the whole afternoon was for both him and all of his Ukraine teammates. "Like I said, football is emotions, if we can give some great emotions and great feelings to our fans, it's perfect for us and our job is done."

He went on: "Unfortunately today we didn't get the result we wanted. I feel sorry for our fans. A lot of fans came today here but couldn't come to the stadium because they didn't have that opportunity, I guess only 2,000 could come.

"I feel sorry as well for them and supporters from around the world who supported us, you cannot blame the players, every one of them gave everything on the pitch. But that's football, it can happen."

Zinchenko's parting message was a moving one, as he told the watching world: "Everyone needs to live in peace. We need to stop the war altogether, you never know what is going to happen - today is Ukraine, but tomorrow Russian aggression can be with your country."

On the pitch, the 25-year-old was one of the best players on the pitch at the Cardiff City stadium. Usually deployed as a left-back for his club under Pep Guardiola, Zinchenko was utilised in the middle of the park against Wales and his supreme technical quality was on display for all to see.

His tendency to play pinpoint passes first-team ensured he was a vital springboard for seemingly every Ukraine attack. The visitors can consider themselves unlucky to have not been awarded a penalty after Andriy Yarmolenko was kicked on the heel by Joe Allen - but a lengthy VAR review ensured the on-field decision of no spot-kick stood.

Despite huge amounts of pressure, Ukraine could not find that all important goal and bowed out of the World Cup qualification process with their heads held high.