Craig Bellamy’s side had to face Northern Ireland as their World Cup dream ended in agonising fashion last Thursday, a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina denying Cardiff the play-off final it had so eagerly anticipated.
Despite that, an early second-half score by Sorba Thomas saved Wales from suffering back-to-back defeats, which would have been a first in the Bellamy era as his nation’s manager.
What should have been a night of nervy, edge-of-your-seat action became an unwelcome clash. It was a fixture fulfilled under UEFA regulations rather than one played with purpose.
Despite also having their World Cup dreams fade away, the small travelling away support that made the journey to the Welsh capital, made the occasion on their behalf the more atmospheric.
By the time Northern Ireland arrived at the Cardiff City Stadium, the sense of occasion had long faded away. Speaking beforehand from the Vale of Glamorgan training base, Bellamy admitted that the heartbreak hurt more than ‘expected’.
Those who had travelled in hope of witnessing a decisive qualifier were instead left with a subdued, almost sombering gathering, the edge dulled by what-ifs. The real nerve-racking contests unfolded elsewhere across the continent.
In Zenica, a city etched fondly into Welsh football memory since Euro 2016 qualification, Bosnia hosted Italy for a place at the expanded 48-team World Cup. Poland faced Sweden, Czechia met Denmark, and Kosovo faced Türkiye.
All four encounters with meaningful stakes, a trip to North America this summer. In Cardiff, by contrast, there was only the lingering sense of opportunity lost.
But what Tuesday evening presented for Bellamy was a chance to rebuild, as they now set their sights on the European Championships in 2028, where Principality Stadium (or, as UEFA lists it, the National Stadium of Wales) is set to host six matches in the tournament.
That was evident with his starting eleven for the encounter against Michael O’Neil’s side, as there were five changes made. Joe Colwill made his first start and claimed his second cap, he partnered Josh Sheehan in midfield, as Ethan Ampadu and the injured Jordan James made way.
Harry Wilson was handed the captains armband, whilst after a standout performance last Thursday Sorba Thomas was preferred over Brennan Johnson. Joining Johnson on the bench was Daniel James, as Lewis Koumas also started.
Story of the Game
Albeit, it was a fixture that ‘nobody wanted to watch’ Shea Charles got proceedings underway.
In the opening exchanges, Wales asserted some early pressure on the visitors’ back-three, and Hull City’s Koumas tested Conor Hazard after six minutes.
Then Issac Price put in a testing cross minutes later, but couldn’t find Patrick Kelly from close range, as his shot went out for a goal kick.
Then, after his initial attempt hit the post, James Donley regathered unmarked and scored to break the deadlock after 20 minutes. Moments later, Donley almost found his second from close range, but was kept out well by Karl Darlow.
After some great build-up play, following a cross by Neco Williams, Colwill could not capitalise on it. Seemingly, shortly after Sheehan was fouled, Wales began to swing the momentum in their favour.
Next, Thomas’ free-kick, following yet another rebound, was comfortably cleared by Jay Dasilva. But that was short-lived, as Price found Darlow misplaced outside of his box, after regathering possession, and shot from range to earn his side a corner. However, the visitors were unable to claim their second goal of the contest.
With Bellamy on the sideline, visibly growing in frustration, Wales headed in at the break 1-0 down. Colwill and Ben Cabango at the break were replaced by Leeds’ James and Dylan Lawlor, respectively.
Almost immediately into the second-half, Thomas brilliantly found the equaliser and claimed his second international goal, after a great pass from David Brooks.
The Bournemouth player was then fouled on the 56-minute mark, but Williams’ low shot was expertly kept out by replacement Pierce Charles.
Before the hour mark, Darlow made a brilliant save following a testing header from Eoin Toal. Wilson, from relatively nothing, had his shot sail wide, in what was Wales’ best chance in the closing exchanges.
In extra time, Callum Marshall almost secured the winner, but the header went high as referee Rob Hennessy brought a close to proceedings shortly after.
FT: Wales 1-1 Northern Ireland
HTSPORTSNEWS 