Wow, what a night for us here in Cardiff. I can hardly believe we won 7-1. It makes me feel so hopeful for the World Cup.
Our captain, Harry Wilson, he goes and scores three times all by himself. Honestly, the whole team were just incredible from start to finish. We’ve moved up to second place in our group now. Missing some important players, you would think it might be a problem. But everyone who played really stepped up and did their part.
The coach, Craig Bellamy, he said it was nearly a perfect game. I think he might be right about that. North Macedonia hadn’t lost yet in qualifying, but we were just too much for them. Our attacking play were so fast and connected. It was Brennan Johnson and David Brooks causing all sorts of trouble.
We got a penalty early on, and Wilson, he just puts it away. Then Brooks scores another one really quick after. They got one goal back, but it didn’t feel like it mattered. We just kept on scoring. Johnson hits this amazing shot into the top corner. The goals kept coming, one after another.
It means we get to play our playoff game at home in March. That is a huge advantage for us. The dream of going to the World Cup, it feels more real than ever. After so many years, we might just get back there.
The atmosphere in the stadium, it was something else entirely. You could just feel the energy from everyone.
Thinking back to how we started the match, the speed were so intense from the first whistle. Dan James, he was just flying down that wing like nobody could stop him. Getting that early penalty really set the tone for the whole night, I think.
Honestly, when North Macedonia scored their goal, a little bit of worry crept in for a moment. But the team, they just shook it off like it was nothing. The way we answered back so quickly, it showed real character.
Our goalkeeper, Karl Darlow, he had that one slip but otherwise was solid. The defense in front of him worked so hard to close down all the spaces. Every player knew their job and did it with so much passion.
Seeing Brennan Johnson score that goal from a tight angle, it were a thing of pure beauty. The power and placement on it left the keeper with no chance at all. Moments like that is what wins you big games.
The partnership between the more experienced players and the younger ones were really clicking. Everyone were on the same wavelength, which is not easy with so many regulars missing. It speaks volumes about the spirit in the camp.
I remember looking at the scoreboard after the fifth goal went in. It was a genuine surprise, but a happy one for sure. You don’t often see a match go so perfectly according to plan.
The manager’s decision to play without a proper striker, using three attacking midfielders instead, it seemed a bit risky beforehand. But watching it work so well, it just shows his tactical genius. The movement and confusion it caused were brilliant.
When Harry Wilson stepped up for that free-kick, everyone held their breath. The way the ball curved into the net, it was absolutely world class. A captain’s performance in every sense of the word.
This result means so much for the confidence of the whole nation. The hope it gives to every young kid watching at home, dreaming of playing for Wales one day, is priceless. The future is looking incredibly bright.
Now we wait for the playoff draw on Thursday. Getting to play at home in Cardiff is a massive, massive advantage for us. The thought of a full stadium again, roaring the team on, gives me goosebumps.
Reaching the World Cup finals has been a dream for so long. After a performance like that, you have to believe that dream is within our grasp. The journey continues, and I for one cannot wait to see what happens next.
