Wales' hopes of staying in the top flight of the UEFA Nations League suffered a major setback in Oslo on Saturday night, with defensive errors proving costly in a defeat to Norway.
Goals from Antonia Nusa and Andreas Schjelderup put the hosts in control after half-time, before David Brooks pulled one back shortly after coming off the bench. However, an Erling Haaland penalty made sure of the points late on, leaving Wales to hope they can become one of the best fourth-placed sides in League A to secure a play-off.
Defensive errors prove costly
Karl Darlow was handed a 6 rating, with a couple of decent saves and punches, though not a flawless performance. Neco Williams earned a 7 for playing an important role at both ends of the pitch, but was forced off with an injury that will hope isn't too serious.
Joe Rodon was rated 7 for some really important defensive contributions on his return to the side, though he was unlucky to see his clearance go straight to Nusa for Norway's first goal. Ben Davies received a 6, having been really good for much of the first half, but his sloppiness played his side into trouble for the penalty.
Attacking contributions
Jay DaSilva was given a 6, having played a couple of clever passes in behind, including one to tee up Johnson early in the second half, though he was slightly overrun in defence at times. Harry Wilson was named star man with a 7, arguably responsible for all of the most promising chances, playing a number of key passes including one for Brooks to score.
Ethan Ampadu was rated 6 for several important interventions to break up Norway moves, though an early yellow card perhaps tempered the intensity of his performance. Liam Cullen also received a 6, having competed well in the middle and in his own box, though he lacked an attacking spark and was substituted.
Substitutes make an impact
Daniel James was handed a 7, having had three promising opportunities in the first half, though he was shrugged off too easily for Norway's first goal. Brennan Johnson was rated 6 on his 50th cap, having not made the most of some bright moments, while Lewis Koumas received a 5 for pressing reasonably well but being sloppy in possession.
Among the substitutes, David Brooks scored a brilliant goal and added energy up front for a 7, while Rubin Colwill also earned a 7 for showing promising moments and adding drive. Mark Harris was rated 5 after offering fairly little, and Connor Roberts received a 4, with few complaints over the penalty decision.
