Wales delivered their most impressive performance of the campaign, thrashing North Macedonia to keep their World Cup dreams firmly alive and guaranteeing a precious home semi-final in next March's playoffs.
Captain Fantastic Leads the Charge
On a landmark night for Harry Wilson, the Fulham playmaker captained his country for the first time and responded with a magnificent hat-trick. His leadership and quality proved instrumental for a Welsh side missing several key players through injury and suspension, including Ben Davies, Aaron Ramsey, and Ethan Ampadu.
Wales started with explosive intent, putting the visitors under immediate pressure. Brennan Johnson and Dan James were constant threats, creating the early penalty that Wilson converted with confidence after just minutes. The home side's relentless start yielded a second goal shortly after, with David Brooks finishing expertly following Johnson's precise cross.
Macedonian Response Quickly Extinguished
North Macedonia briefly disrupted Welsh momentum when Bojan Miovski capitalised on a defensive slip to score. However, Wales' reaction was swift and decisive. They continued to dominate, with Johnson and Joe Rodon going close before Johnson himself restored the two-goal cushion with a spectacular individual effort, driving into the top corner from the edge of the area.
The second half showcased Wales at their fluid best. A beautiful, flowing team move culminated in Wilson delightfully back-heeling the ball into the path of Dan James, who made no mistake for Wales' fourth goal. The night belonged to Wilson, who then capped his performance by curling a magnificent free-kick into the top corner before completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot late on.
Playoff Path Secured in Cardiff
This emphatic 7-1 victory ensures Wales will play their crucial World Cup playoff semi-final at the Cardiff City Stadium next March. The result, against a previously unbeaten North Macedonian side, sends a powerful message to potential opponents, who will now be rightly apprehensive about facing this vibrant Welsh team on home soil.
Substitute Nathan Broadhead tapped in a seventh in the dying moments, putting the final exclamation point on a near-perfect night for manager Craig Bellamy and his team. Wales now head into the high-stakes playoffs with immense confidence, their World Cup destiny firmly in their own hands.
