a brilliant performance

It would be foolish to deny the simple truth that in reviewing yesterday’s 2-1 loss to Russia, Wales has come a very long way. Playing with a squad split with injuries and littered with teenagers, the Dragon’s put on a stunning display of grit, tenacity and ability. While the match finished with a heartbreaking decision, all of Wales should hold their heads high for the effort put forth and the style of play on the pitch. Against all odds and up against one of the top nations in the world, Wales held strong and pushed Russia within minutes of a draw.

It would be difficult to pin-point a weakness with Wales yesterday. Of course there were “errors” but none outside the standard play however what shone through was how they went on the attack and didn’t surrender. More than anything I appreciate a squad that goes on the attack and plays to win. That’s how Wales took this match and it truly was a brilliant and perfunctory point.

At the start of the match, Wales seemed a trace back on their heels. I’m not sure if it was a case of big-match jitters or the Lokomotiv Stadium setting however for the first ten minutes or so, they were playing mostly behind the ball. Gradually they came out of their shell and on attacking run, Gareth Bale was mauled in the area by Sergei Semak and a penalty was awarded. However the strike lacked conviction and Russian ‘keeper Igor Akinfeev saved it easily. Unfortunately near the twenty-first minute, a gust of wind blew over Konstatin Zurianov who soared beautifully through the area and was awarded a penalty with Carl Robinson being noted as the culprit. Tottenham’s Roman Pavluchenko plunked the ball in and Russia took a 1-0 lead to the half. However instead of wilting Wales came out with audacity after the break and took it to Russia with young Joe Ledley of Cardiff City bringing the match even at the sixty-seventh minute. The match appeared to be heading to a draw but eight minutes before time Pavel Pogrebniak drove a close range rebound into the net, giving Russia the 2-1 lead and victory.

A tough heart-breaking loss but equally an extraordinary effort and a wealth of experience to build on.

Match Details
Wales
Wayne Hennessey,Chris Gunter,Craig Morgan,Ashley Williams,Gareth Bale,Simon Davies,Carl Fletcher,Carl Robinson (Samuel Ricketts 46),David Edwards (Steve Evans 77),Joe Ledley,Sam Vokes(Ched Evans 62)
Subs Not Used: Myhill, Stock, Cotterill, Earnshaw.
Goals: Ledley 67

Next match is Liechtenstein on October 11. Lets get out and support Wales!

Russia
Igor Akinfeev,Aleksandr Aniukov,Denis Kolodin,Sergei Ignashevich,Yuri Zhirkov,Konstatin Zurianov,Dmitri Torbinsky,Igor Semshov,Sergei Semak(Pogrebnyak 74),Andrei Arshavin,Roman Pavluchenko(Bystrov 90)
Subs Not Used: Malafeev, Vasili Berezutsky, Alexei Berezutsky, Yanbaev.
Goals: Pavlyuchenko 22 pen, Pogrebnyak 81.