Wales v N.Ireland

[keith margam]

Wales v N.Ireland (Friendly) Tue 31 March 19:30

The two semi-final losers play each other in a friendly match next Tuesday in Cardiff, filling the gap in matches.

They’ve both gone from being “either/or” to “neither/nor” after losing their respective matches and it’s now Bosnia meeting Italy to see who goes through to the World Cup Finals instead.

Wales, 1-0 up, were the better team but missed their chances, Wilson hit the post, James hit the bar, so unlucky not to seal the win.
Five minutes to go, a Bosnia breakaway and an unnecessary corner conceded. Veteran Dzeko, renowned for his heading ability and always a danger at set pieces, was on hand at the near post to out-jump everybody to head the ball home and force extra time. Who was marking Dzeko? The replay shows little DaSilva, it should have been Rodon but he was ball watching. We know the rest.

 

[keith margam]

Wales 1 (Thomas 46’) - N.Ireland 1 (Donley 22’)
A lack lustre first-half for Wales and they conceded a poor goal. A cross from Devenny found Donley completely unmarked, Cabango in no man’s land as Donley’s header hits the post but the ball ricochets back to Donley who fires home.
A rocket for Wales from Bellamy during the break, Lawlor on for Cabango, James on for Colwill and within a minute they were level, a driving run from Brooks and his pass put through Thomas for the equaliser. Unfortunately Wales couldn’t find the winner but a much better performance second-half.
The match that nobody wanted and now the dream is over we have to move on.