One down, nine to go. Wales stand top of World Cup qualifying Group D after their thumping 4-0 victory over Moldova on Monday night. Dai Sport columnist Ross Tyson re-lives the emotions after picking up a full glass again not long after the end of an epic summer party.
It’s always unpredictable, that first drink sipped by a hungover vessel. Last night, however, the Brains in Cardiff went down rather comfortably after the summer of Beaujolais. Wales delivered a sobering 4-0 win to kick-off their qualifying campaign for the 2018 Russian World Cup.
Despite huge turnstile queues, some fans did manage to make it in before the start. Their reward, though, was to be subjected to a damp squib in the opening 30 minutes. In fact, the crowd’s loudest moments in the opening half hour were as a result of a few robust challenges from the visitors and when singing James Chester’s name to the tune of Ghostbusters. The Barry Horns were in fine form throughout the game.
Wales’ patient, if, perhaps, uninspiring control of the game was rewarded when Gareth Bale swung in a right-wing cross and Sam Vokes rose to head home, a reminder – as if anybody needed it – of his goal against Belgium. It was an important goal, the longer it had taken to arrive, the more anxious would have grown.
Wales kept up the pressure and won a corner on the stroke of half-time. Illie Cebanu, the Moldovan keeper, perhaps still dazed from an earlier collision with Vokes, punched the ball straight into the path of Joe Allen. In keeping with his metronomic performance, Stoke City’s recent new signing calmly passed the ball into the back of the net, on the volley, to record his first international goal in what was a man of the match performance.
During the opening exchanges of the second half, Moldova needed to metaphorically take a sip of their tea and remain calm. They didn’t. In the same metaphoric universe, they poured the tea over their own heads and smashed the mug against the wall. Ion Jardan channelled his inner Joe Allen, Toni Kroos et al, and played an excellent through ball to Bale – accidently leaving him one v one with his own keeper. The Galactico made no mistake and Wales were 3-0 up.
The home team seemed fairly content with their lead and any hint of a threat from Moldova – and that is hint, in the tiniest, hintiest way possible – was quickly wiped out by Ben Davies or the equally impressive Chester.
Emyr Huws and James Collins joined proceedings but it was Hal Robson-Kanu’s introduction which took him centre stage. His ever-popular theme song started up when he emerged from the bench and continued throughout the eternity he stood waiting for play to be stopped.
He didn’t just invigorate the stands, however. His introduction seemed to re-invigorate team that had appeared seemed content with the score it was. The new West Bromwich Albion striker was bright and energetic and it was his pressure which led to the game’s final attack.
Bale was man-handled in the box, following a cross and referee Liran Liany, who had been lenient to a fault for most of the game, pointed to the spot. Bale converted to make it 4-0 and became Wales’ second highest goalscorer of all-time with 24.
Like Andorra in 2014, the three points were all that mattered with the tournament almost two years away. Unlike Andorra in 2014, though, this time Wales were wholly convincing.
It’s too early to predict how competitive the qualifying group will be, but on paper, it should be one hell of a scrap. A plus four goal difference after match one is a great start. Onward and upwards.
