It is an amazing sight to see Wales topping their Euro 2016 qualifying group. They are three points ahead of Belgium and only need three more points to secure a place at next summers major competition in France.

That victory would end a fifty-four year wait!

It’s crazy to think that players like Mark Hughes, Ian Rush, Neville Southall, John Hartson, Gary Speed, Craig Bellamy, Robbie Savage and Ryan Giggs failed to grace international finals.

But now Chris Coleman’s men are on the brink as they gunned down Cyprus 1-0 last night.

A lot of praise rightly falls on Gareth Bale.

The Welsh wizard headed in yet another winner at a crucial time against the Cypriots. That was the Real Madrid man’s sixth goal in this qualifying campaign.

There’s no doubt that Bale is a huge difference maker for his nation. The twenty-six year old is a world-class forward after all.

It’s easy to forget that qualification started off in a nervy fashion. The Dragons were one down to minnows Andorra after just six minutes but then that man Bale banged in a brace and secured the first valuable three points.

Gareth would then grab another double in a fine 3-0 away win over Israel.

Then came the big one against the mighty Belgians, who were the favourites to win the group. In what was Gareth Bale’s fiftieth cap for his country, the classy attacker grabbed yet another vital winner.

His importance to this Welsh team is unquestionable.

As a Scottish fan, I know we have a good team and the players will always give 100% to the jersey but sometimes you need that special player that can change any game. Unfortunately Scotland do not have that mercurial talent at the moment, so it makes it that wee bit tougher for us.

Even England are calling out for a world-class player like Gareth Bale. Stick him in that squad and they’d be a lot closer to another international title in my opinion.

But Wales have also been good for Bale and his career. When times got tough in Madrid, Wales manager Chris Coleman and the rest of the squad made Bale their star and he felt loved when on international duty. Hence why he’ll always turn up and give his all for his country.

Also don’t go thinking that this Welsh side are just a one man team.

The side have kept five cleansheets in their seven qualifying fixtures and four in their last four games. Belgium failed twice to get a goal against the Dragons.

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey has been the man who kept all of those cleansheets and has been immense. He”s been helped out by his strong defensive unit, especially his captian Ashely Williams who has been heroic at the back.

You then have superb midfielders like Joe Allen and Aaron Ramsey, who have been playing consistently well when free from injury.

Those are all superb players and then there is also a solid nucleus of hardworking professionals who give their all and are desperate to make next summers European Championships.

Boss Chris Coleman deserves a huge amount of credit. He took over the team in difficult and tragic circumstances but has managed that situation extremely well. He’s brought in a club atmosphere and has the players dreaming of big things and believing in his managerial philosophies.

Last night, Chris issued a rallying cry to the Welsh supporters:

“For the Welsh supporters waiting for us to get back home, get excited,” 

“My message to them is to get carried away. Enjoy this – they’ve waited a long time.”

Now on Sunday, Wales will have a great chance to secure their passage to France next year. Israel will be the opponents in Cardiff and the home fans will be beside themselves hoping for a historic victory.

I think they will get that win. It might be nervy but I am sure they’d take another close 1-0 triumph with that man Gareth Bale scoring yet another winner.

Enjoy it when it comes Wales!

Posted on September 4th, 2015 by scott
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