Wales cruised to a 5-1 victory over Belarus on Saturday night. It was a confident performance where the result never really looked in danger.
The result has boosted Wales’ chances of having a home tie in the play-offs, which will take place in March.
We take a look at some of the key talking points ahead of Tuesday’s showdown with Belgium.
Wales’ ruthless edge
One thing Wales have lacked in recent years is the ability to put away chances and really put the result beyond doubt, particularly against teams Wales should perhaps be beating comfortably. That’s something they lacked in both matches against Estonia in this qualifying campaign, but there were no problems of that sort in this match. Wales had 18 shots throughout the game, with seven of those hitting the target. If we’re being critical, perhaps there should have been another goal or two scored, but Wales scoring five is a rarity to cherish.
It’s also worth noting that this was without a recognised striker, with Gareth Bale and Dan James leading the line. Kieffer Moore is expected to return from suspension for the match against Belgium, and with the quality of crosses played in by Neco Williams, Moore certainly would have gotten a goal or two against Belarus.
Ramsey’s impact
Whilst he’s missed more games than he’s played over the last two years for Wales, his impact when he plays is undeniable. He is Wales’ most creative player, and is key to unlocking defences. He makes the whole team tick, and the attack is always more threatening when he plays.
His two goals against Belarus has now seen him overtake Craig Bellamy to take sixth place in the list of Wales’ top-scorers, with 20 goals in his 70 caps. Whilst a tap-in and a penalty won’t be the hardest goals of his career, his goalscoring is perhaps an understated element of what he brings to Wales.
Ramsey has been taken criticism from some quarters for the amount of games he’s missed, with some claiming he prioritises his club over country – although Juventus fans seem to think it’s the other way round. But with his impact when he plays, he deserves to be cut some slack, and his performance last night showed his commitment to Wales should never be questioned.
Ramsey scores brace as Wales celebrate Bale’s 100th cap with comfortable victory
Bale yn dathlu ei ganfed cap gyda buddugoliaeth gyfforddus dros Belarws
A lack of club minutes
Every time a Wales squad gets announced, there are always conversations about the lack of game time for the majority of the squad. Out of last night’s starting line-up, only Joe Allen, Harry Wilson and Daniel James have really been regular starters for their respective club sides.
However, this could in fact be a blessing in disguise for Wales. Neco Williams and Connor Roberts have both struggled for minutes for their clubs, with the latter only recently recovering from a groin injury picked up in the EUROs. But both showed great fitness, covering every blade of grass on their respective flanks, and their lack of minutes meant there were no signs of tiredness.
Getting more match fitness and experience at a high-level does of course have plenty of benefits and would no doubt improve their game. But it’s not all bad news, as it ensures the players are more likely to be fit to represent their country.
Ben’s first goal for Wales
Whilst Bale’s achievement was the main focus, Ben Davies secured a landmark of his own, scoring his first international goal.
Davies has scored eight goals in his club career, and perhaps it’s a surprise that it’s taken until his 68th cap for Ben to get his first Wales goal. Defending is of course his main role, so anything he can add on the scoresheet is just an added bonus.
Ben is still only 28 years old, and he remains one of the first names on the Wales teamsheet. He rarely misses games through injury, so he looks well set to join Bale in reaching 100 caps within the next few years.
Hundred not out for Bale
Despite only playing 45 minutes, all the headlines were stolen by Gareth Bale, and rightfully so. Bale became the latest player to earn 100 caps for Wales, joining Jess Fishlock, Chris Gunter, Loren Dykes and Sophie Ingle in that elite club. Despite having more than his share of injuries over his career, particularly in recent months, Bale’s commitment to his country has never been in doubt.
Bale’s substitution did raise concerns about a potential calf injury, but he was quick to calm those worries. He confirmed on Sky Sports that being taken off at half-time was always the plan if Wales had a comfortable lead, and there was no injury.
There aren’t enough superlatives to describe the impact Bale has had not only on Welsh football, but the nation as a whole. All over the world, a mention of Wales instantly sparks recognition thanks to Bale’s reputation. Without a doubt, he is the greatest Welsh male footballer of at least the last 50 years.
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