Women's World Cup 2015: Ukraine 1-0 Wales

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Jess FishlockImage source, PA
Image caption,

Captain Jess Fishlock (left) was unable to lead Wales into the play-offs for a chance to reach Canada 2015

Wales' hopes of qualifying for the 2015 Women's World Cup finals in Canada are over following a 1-0 defeat away to Ukraine in Group 6.

The Welsh needed to beat their hosts in Lviv to overtake them and seal second place and a potential play-off place.

Sarah Wiltshire saw an effort saved as Wales had the better of the first-half chances.

But Tetyana Romanenko turned home Lyudmyla Pekur's 61st-minute corner to break Welsh hearts.

The defeat, which left Wales third in the group, is likely to be manager Jarmo Matikainen's last match in charge.

He had been due to leave his position in March, before agreeing to stay on until the end of the qualifying campaign.

Matikainen, 54, had said he would continue until July 2015 if the team reached the finals.

Former Wales full-back Andy Legg has been interviewed to take over the Finn's position, but ex-Wales Women's captain and Reading manager Jayne Ludlow is favourite for the role should Matikainen leave.