Wales claimed their first win of 2026 with a superb 2-1 victory over Norway in the UEFA Nations League at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Daniel James cancelled out Oscar Bobb's early opener, before Torbjorn Heggem's red card tipped the contest in favour of the hosts, who took the lead through Neco Williams from the resulting freekick.
Defensive masterclass
Ben Davies was the star man, keeping Norway quiet all evening, including Erling Haaland, who simply couldn't quite get the better of him. It was a colossal performance.
Ben Cabango was also solid all night, competing brilliantly with a gigantic Norway forward line. No player won more aerial duels on the night.
Creative spark
Sorba Thomas was his side's most creative outlet by far, putting cross after cross into the box, many of which should really have been converted. He got an assist when Daniel James scored just before half-time.
Neco Williams scored a superb freekick to win it for his side, made more tackles than any other player, and was a key component in his team's efforts going forward.
Midfield control
Jordan James was calm and collected in the middle of the park, keeping things ticking over really well and often at the heart of his team's most promising moves.
Ethan Ampadu looked a little shaky at first and was a little untidy in possession, but he grew into the game really and led by example in the middle as Norway pushed for an equaliser.
Danny Ward wasn't perhaps as busy as many might have been expecting, but did really well when called upon. Jay DaSilva was a solid presence out wide and made a couple of good runs.
Attacking threat
Daniel James' pace caused problems for Norway all evening. His decision-making wasn't always the best, but he was still a constant threat, took his goal well and won the red card after the break.
Lewis Koumas was just a nuisance for Norway all night, with a performance that deserved a bit more, while Liam Cullen pressed really well out of possession to unsettle the Norwegian backline and was denied a goal in the first half.
Substitutes Josh Sheehan, Joel Colwill, Brennan Johnson and Mark Harris all contributed after coming on, with Sheehan and Harris both having shots saved.
