Wales delivered a statement performance in their final World Cup qualifying match, securing a decisive victory over North Macedonia. The win not only clinched second place in their group but also guarantees a home fixture in the upcoming playoff semi-final next March.
The Welsh side, missing several key players through injury and suspension, responded with a cohesive and attacking display. Harry Wilson, captaining the national team for the first time, led by example with a hat-trick. He was supported by goals from Brennan Johnson, David Brooks, Dan James, and Neco Williams, with Nathan Broadhead adding a late seventh.
The match was effectively decided in the first half. Wales established early control, with Wilson converting a penalty in the 18th minute after a foul on Brooks. Just three minutes later, Brooks himself found the net, finishing a swift move initiated by Johnson.
North Macedonia briefly halved the deficit when Bojan Miovski capitalized on a defensive slip, but the Welsh response was immediate. Johnson restored the two-goal cushion before halftime with a powerful strike from the left flank.
The second half continued in the same vein. A fluid team move was finished by James, before Wilson added two more—first with a expertly taken free-kick and then a second penalty. Substitute Broadhead completed the scoring in the closing moments.
The comprehensive nature of the victory, against an opponent previously unbeaten in the qualifying campaign, provides significant momentum ahead of the crucial playoff matches in March. The performance demonstrated the squad’s depth and attacking potency, offering optimism for the final hurdle in their quest to reach the World Cup.