' The huge added bonus Wales have just earned '

The huge added bonus Wales have just earned by beating Republic of Ireland


The Nations League win against the Irish carried huge significance for Wales in more ways than one


By Ian Mitchelmore


Wednesday 16th October 2018


Wales guaranteed themselves runner-up spot at the very least in their Nations League group after grinding out a 1-0 win over Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

Harry Wilson's second half free-kick settled the contest as Wales rose above Denmark into first place in group 4 of League B, although the Danes have a game in hand.



It means Wales will earn promotion into League A of the newly-formed competition if they overcome Denmark at Cardiff City Stadium next month.


But crucially, their triumph in Dublin carries even greater significance.

As a result of claiming all three points against the Emerald Isle, Wales are now guaranteed to feature in pot 2 in the draw for Euro 2020 qualifying.

Given Wales' standing in the Nations League, they were guaranteed to be in either pot 2 or 3 of, with pot 1 boasting the best ranked sides and pot 6 including the lowest ranked countries.


And it means that when the Euro 2020 qualifying draw takes place in Dublin in December, Wales will only come up against one side ranked better than them.


Ireland 0-1 Wales





The huge bonus from Ireland win


Wales were significantly lower ranked prior to their glorious run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 in France.

They were seeded in pot 4, with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belgium and Israel all above them while Cyprus and Andorra were the only sides ranked lower than them.

Speaking about the importance of the win against Ireland, manager Ryan Giggs commented: "Of course it's important, we set out in this Nations League to win the group and see where it took us.

"That’s good that we've done that with one game to go, and now we look to win the group.


"It won't be easy. We’ve got Denmark at home but Cardiff City Stadium will be bouncing – we’re guaranteed that – and we’re really looking forward to the challenge now.”

Wales take on Denmark in the Welsh capital on Friday, November 16 before facing Albania in a friendly four days later.

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The Wales player ratings as Harry Wilson stunner gives Ryan Giggs' young side brilliant win in Ireland


By Paul Abdannato

Wednesday 16th October 2018

Ryan Giggs' young Wales side pulled off a 1-0 triumph over Martin O'Neill's more battle-hardened Ireland in Dublin.






It was a crucial UEFA Nations League victory for Wales. Here's how we rated the players...

Wayne Hennessey 8

Excellent stop early on to deny Cyrus Christie which settled Welsh nerves. Organised, calm, authoritative, sorted out his back four and came for crosses. Gets his high mark as a a wonderfully calming figure at the back amongst a young group of men.

Connor Roberts 7

Chosen ahead of Chris Gunter he once again fully justified Giggs' decision with an accomplished display and completely blotted out the threat from the experienced James McClean. The right-back berth is his to lose from here on in.


Ashley Williams 7

Came under fire for his performance against Spain but this was more like the Captain Ash we know. No messing about, a back to basics approach, Wales' youngsters needed his experience and guidance around them.

James Chester 6

A couple of sloppy passes out of defence and should have scored with a second-half header. But by and large will be happy with his performance - although Giggs loves Chris Mepham and he may return next time to make the team even more youthful.

Ben Davies 7


Needless challenge on Harry Arter earned him booking and suspension from Denmark game, but he was the one trying to drive Wales forward from the start. Will be missed against the Danes.

Joe Allen 7

Played slightly deeper but did what Joe Allen does - neat, tidy, kept the midfield ticking over. Showed his experience in the second-half to help drive Wales over the line.

Matt Smith 7

Another of Giggs' bold decisions, the 18-year-old almost gave an early goal away to Christie and copped an earful from Hennessey. His response was magnificent - instead of letting it get him down he showed mental fortitude and more than played his part in the win. A hugely encouraging effort.

Matthew Smith battles with Jeff Hendrick (Image: PA)
David Brooks 7

The opposition have got another player besides Bale to target and they did, Brooks the victim of a couple of crunching challenging early on. Not his best night, but another of the Giggs young guns who will be much better for the experience. In the team to stay.

Harry Wilson 8 (STAR MAN)

Quiet first-half, he exploded into action with a dazzling run early in the second which seemed to give him and Wales confidence. As for the free-kick stunner, well what can we say? Sublime, brilliant, perfectly executed, right out of the Gareth Bale book of belters. This 21-year-old has star quality and has already established himself as a key man under Giggs.


Tom Lawrence 6

The old man of Giggs' exciting-looking front four - at the ripe old age of just 24! Put in a heck of a shift, worked his socks off and was busy throughout.

Tyler Roberts 6


Another tireless effort as he ploughed a lone furrow against Ireland's big and bruising centre-backs, but never stopped running and always gave his midfield options. Only 19, he's another with a huge future ahead.

Substitutes: George Thomas (for Smith 74), Chris Gunter (for Wilson 83), Andy King (for Brooks 86)

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Republic of Ireland 0-1 Wales: Liverpool's Harry Wilson lights up Nations League clash with wonder-goal -


By Ian Mitchelmore


The pre-match talk surrounded who wouldn't be in action at the Aviva Stadium rather than those who would be.

And the stats made pretty grim reading for the visitors.

But that did nothing to dampen the spirits of the Red Wall who once again backed Ryan Giggs' side in numbers, and they were handsomely rewarded as Harry Wilson's sensational free-kick earned Wales - without their two most potent stars - all three points in a largely dull encounter.

Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey dominated the headlines prior the Dublin encounter, and Wales' record without the former leaves little to be desired.

Wales went into the clash with the Emerald Isle having won just three of the 13 competitive matches they had played without Bale, and just eight in 39 in all competitions since Bale made his international bow against Trinidad & Tobago in 2006.

And history was made from the outset as Wales played a competitive fixture without both Bale and Ramsey for the first time since the latter made his debut against Denmark as a fresh faced 17-year-old a decade ago.

Someone had to step up, and Giggs went with a youthful starting line-up that had an average of just 24.8, two-and-a-half years younger than that of the hosts.

David Brooks was one of those young guns desperately trying to fill the void of Bale and Ramsey.

But the Bournemouth man no doubt breathed a sigh of relief early on as he was bailed out by captain Ashley Williams after a loose crossfield pass.

And in the 10th minute, another youngster was thanking a member of the old guard for sparing his blushes as Wayne Hennessey pulled off a fine save to deny Cyrus Christie after Matt Smith was caught in possession on the edge of his own area.

After a nervy spell, Wales slowly grew into the game, with the experienced rearguard of Williams and James Chester firming things up at the back.

But in truth, there was a desperate lack of quality on display from both sides, particularly at the business end of the pitch.

An 'Icelandic clap' midway through the opening half provided a much needed boost to what had largely been a flat atmosphere at the Aviva Stadium.

And there were still some robust challenges flying in, with Ben Davies earning a caution for fouling Harry Arter to ensure he will be suspended for the Denmark clash next month while Kevin Long had earlier been booked for tripping Brooks.

Wales finally fashioned a shot on target after the half hour mark as Tyler Roberts latched on to Connor Roberts' driven cross, although the Leeds United striker's effort trickled into the hands of Darren Randolph.

And moments later, Hennessey gathered Shane Duffy's header from a corner as the game briefly threatened to spark into life.

But there was nothing to ignite what had been a turgid first half, although Smith threw his body on the line to block Callum Robinson's strike from 25 yards out five minutes before the break.

Something had to change.

Wilson tried to get the visitors going with a jinking 30-yard run from his own half before being cynically brought down by James McClean.

Although in truth, neither goalkeeper was made to break much sweat.

But when Randolph was finally forced into action, he was a mere spectator before being forced to pick the ball out of his own net.

Cardiff City midfielder Harry Arter tripped Connor Roberts just outside his own box, and Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers had no hesitation in awarding Wales a free-kick.



Step up Wilson.

The Liverpool youngster - currently on loan with Derby County - left Randolph stranded and smashed in the resulting free-kick, in similar fashion to the stunner he netted for the Rams against Manchester United, to put his side ahead in spectacular fashion.

Wilson's effort clearly lifted Wales as Tom Lawrence fired a shot at goal.

But Ireland finally started to throw caution to the wind and sent men forwards.

And their clearest opportunity fell to Burnley's Hendrick who danced through the Wales defence before drilling at goal, although it was straight at Hennessey.





As the hosts threw bodies forward, space opened for Wales who almost put the game to bed as Smith fed Lawrence on the break, but the Derby man's shot was well blocked.

And from the resulting corner, Chester headed inches wide.

Lawrence, Tyler Roberts and Brooks all had chances as the game approached the final 10 minutes while substitute George Thomas went close at the death.

But crucially, Wales were able to see out the game and make it two wins from three in the inaugural Nations League.

It means their destiny remains firmly in their own hands, as victory over Denmark in Cardiff next month would guarantee Wales top spot in their group along with promotion to League A and a shot at the play-offs to qualify for Euro 2020.

And it was all achieved without their two biggest stars of recent times, something that quite simply would have been deemed unthinkable not too long ago.


Republic of Ireland: Randolph; Keogh (C), Duffy, K Long (Hogan 75); Doherty, Christie, Arter, Hendrick, McClean; Robinson (Maguire 60), O'Brien (S Long 56).

Subs not used: Doyle, McDermott, D Williams, Meyler, S Williams, Browne, Stevens, Egan, Hourihane.

Yellow cards: K Long 16, McClean 49, S Long 72

Wales: Hennessey; C Roberts, Williams (C), Chester, Davies; Allen, Smith (Thomas 74); Brooks (King 87), Wilson (Gunter 84), Lawrence; T Roberts.

Subs not used: Ward, A Davies, Richards, Vokes, Woodburn, John, Rodon, Edwards, Freeman.

Yellow card: Davies 33

Goal: Wilson 58

Referee: Björn Kuipers (NED)

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it disappoints me when i read some of these journalists. not sure how Wilson can be given MOTM for an average free kick. Brooks was head and shoulders above everyone else for Wales.

it disappoints me when i read some of these journalists. not sure how Wilson can be given MOTM for an average free kick. Brooks was head and shoulders above everyone else for Wales.

I agree Paulh, Wilson's goal cracking but not MOTM

it disappoints me when i read some of these journalists. not sure how Wilson can be given MOTM for an average free kick. Brooks was head and shoulders above everyone else for Wales.

I agree Paulh, Wilson's goal cracking but not MOTM

Giggs said Williams was the outstanding player on the night by miles!!

it disappoints me when i read some of these journalists. not sure how Wilson can be given MOTM for an average free kick. Brooks was head and shoulders above everyone else for Wales.

I agree Paulh, Wilson's goal cracking but not MOTM

Giggs said Williams was the outstanding player on the night by miles!!

I thought he played really well too, toss up between him and Brooks for MOTM.

it disappoints me when i read some of these journalists. not sure how Wilson can be given MOTM for an average free kick. Brooks was head and shoulders above everyone else for Wales.

I agree Paulh, Wilson's goal cracking but not MOTM

Giggs said Williams was the outstanding player on the night by miles!!

I thought he played really well too, toss up between him and Brooks for MOTM.

Had good game but thought there was a mistake in him when on ball but no complaints as we didn't concede goal .

Thought it was a terrific performance by a young team.

Listening to the pundits after the game they all gave the impression Ireland should have got at least a draw out of the game but admitted the Irish camp is in a mess. Sound like whatever we do good we are not going to get any credit for.

Thought it was a terrific performance by a young team.

Listening to the pundits after the game they all gave the impression Ireland should have got at least a draw out of the game but admitted the Irish camp is in a mess. Sound like whatever we do good we are not going to get any credit for.

all things considered yes it was a terrific performance..
agree also about lack of credit but that's not new for Wales or Cardiff...

Thought it was a terrific performance by a young team.

Listening to the pundits after the game they all gave the impression Ireland should have got at least a draw out of the game but admitted the Irish camp is in a mess. Sound like whatever we do good we are not going to get any credit for.

all things considered yes it was a terrific performance..
agree also about lack of credit but that's not new for Wales or Cardiff...

Agreed a great win especially without Bale, Ramsey, and Ampedu, some brave decisions by Giggs and he does deserve some credit !!!

Thought it was a terrific performance by a young team.

Listening to the pundits after the game they all gave the impression Ireland should have got at least a draw out of the game but admitted the Irish camp is in a mess. Sound like whatever we do good we are not going to get any credit for.

all things considered yes it was a terrific performance..
agree also about lack of credit but that's not new for Wales or Cardiff...

Agreed a great win especially without Bale, Ramsey, and Ampedu, some brave decisions by Giggs and he does deserve some credit !!!

Denmark will be interesting. but tbh im not sure winning this group is adventageous at all.

That's why these games are important to get a better pot/pool to be in .

That's why these games are important to get a better pot/pool to be in .

we are certain to be in pot 2....if we win the group we will still be in pot 2 for qualifiers but will have the fall back of these nations league play offs should we fail to qualify..