Wales player ratings vs North Macedonia: Perfect 10 as clinical Cymru shine in Cardiff clash

Wales boosted their chances of claiming a place at next summer’s FIFA World Cup with a clinical 7-1 win against North Macedonia at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Captain for the night Harry Wilson opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 18th minute before David Brooks doubled their advantage moments later.

Keeper Karl Darlow slipped allowing North Macedonia to pull a goal back two minutes later before a stunning solo goal from Brennan Johnson in the 37th minute eased Welsh nerves heading into the break.

A well worked attacking move finished off by Daniel James extended their lead, before a trademark Wilson free-kick, followed by a second penalty from the Fulham man sealed his hat-trick.

There was time for a seventh as substitute Nathan Broadhead stabbed home in the 88th minute in what was by some distance the best performance of the Craig Bellamy era.

The result means that Bellamy’s side have sealed their place in pot two for the play-off semi final draw, guaranteeing a home fixture for the game in March.

Wales player ratings

Karl Darlow – 6

An unfortunate moment for the keeper losing his footing at the crucial moment allowing the visitors to score but was overall a quiet night for Darlow who didn’t have a lot to do and was solid with his distribution.

Neco Williams – 7

Williams had a strong game on both sides of the ball, linking up well going forward and creating issues down the right hand side. He was unlucky not to get on the score sheet having been denied by a fine save from Stole Dimitrievski.

Dylan Lawlor – 7

There was a couple of nervous moments on the ball from the young defender the first half and got caught out for the visitors goal, but overall was solid in such an important fixture early in his international career.

Joe Rodon – 7

Some uncharacteristically sloppy moments from the Leeds United man defensively but was composed on the ball and had a much needed commanding presence at the back.

Jay Dasliva – 7

Dasliva didn’t really put a foot wrong during the victory, defending strongly and linked up well with Johnson down the left flank.

Josh Sheehan – 8

Sheehan showed composure in possession allowing Wales to break forward consistently whilst also doing his defensive duties well.

Harry Wilson (C) – 10

A proud night for Wilson who captained the side in the absence of Ben Davies. Cymru needed him to perform and he produced one of his best displays on the international stage.

Brennan Johnson – 8

A performance the Red Wall have been wanting to see from Johnson for some time. He was strong defensively but also offered much more going forward and took his chance brilliantly when it came.

David Brooks – 8

Brooks at his best for Bellamy’s side tonight, constantly making dangerous runs beyond the visiting defence that lead to the penalty before taking his chance well to double the sides lead.

Daniel James – 8

Another attacker that shined for Cymru with his blistering pace causing plenty of issues for the North Macedonia defence, all but sealing victory with the fourth goal.

Liam Cullen – 6

A relatively quiet night for Cullen who worked hard but didn’t quite have a major impact in the game.

Sorba Thomas – 5

A second half substitute for Wales helping them over the line with hard work out of possession and dangerous forward runs.

Nathan Broadhead – 7

A second half change for Bellamy’s side helping to secure an important victory in Cardiff with the seventh goal of the night.

Ronan Kpakio – 5

A late change for Wales with the game all but over, helping the side over the line.

Chris Mepham – 5

A late change for Wales with the game all but over, helping the side over the line.

Isaak Davies – 5

A late change for Wales with the game all but over, helping the side over the line. This was his senior international debut for Wales.