November 14, (THEWILL) – On the night that Gareth Bale celebrated his 100th cap, Aaron Ramsey scored a brace to see Wales off to a 5-1 victory over Belarus in a Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match.
Robert Page’s side, who had already secured a place in the Nations League play-offs, needed all three points to stay in second place in Group E, and they dominated from start to finish.
Ramsey reacted quickest to a parried attempt from Ben Davies, and the Juventus midfielder converted from close range to give Wales the lead in just the third minute.
After 20 minutes, Neco Williams extended Wales’ lead when his near-post strike squirmed under the clutches of Belarus goalkeeper Syarhey Chernik, who should have done much better.
Bale was forced to leave his 100th international appearance at halftime due to injury, but Wales were handed a penalty kick four minutes later, which Ramsey converted.
Davies added gloss to the scoreline with his first Wales goal from a corner kick, before Artem Kontsevoj produced a long-range stunner to, at least, improve Belarus’ spirits.
While three points against Belarus at home was not much cause for celebration, the manner in which Wales won was good enough for the optimism it instilled in the side ahead of Belgium’s arrival on Tuesday evening.
As for Bale, he did have a special night because he was making his 100th appearance for Wales. Yet, the 32-year-old struggled in the first half and was replaced at the start of the second.
Bale’s fitness had been questioned ahead of the encounter, and this development brings into question his participation in Tuesday night’s last World Cup qualifier against Belgium and his return to Real Madrid without the fitness to challenge for a shirt under Carlo Ancelotti.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
