' Israel v Wales The Debrief'

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' Israel v Wales The Debrief'

Postby Owain » Sun Mar 29, 2015 8:23 am

WALES' BIGGEST GAME IN MORE THAN A DECADE....WHAT HAPPENED?

Exactly what Chris Coleman would have dreamed of. After a cagey start from both sides, Wales took control of the game and got a deserved lead a few seconds into first-half injury time when Aaron Ramsey looped a header over the goalkeeper when he met Gareth Bale's flick on from a long ball.

Wales upped the ante after the break, Bale scoring a brilliant free-kick after being fouled by Eytan Tibi and then tempting the same player into a second yellow two minutes later.

Down to ten men, Israel folded as Wales got ruthless with Bale smashing home his second and the side's third with 13 minutes to go. They could have grabbed more but the job was done.

SO GARETH BALE THE HERO?

Yes and no. Bale was brilliant, terrifying the Israel defence early on and sensing the nerves and problems he was creating. He did the dirty work to challenge Tal Ben Haim to set up Ramsey and then showed his speed, strength and skill to grab the wonderful second and third.

Hammered by some sections of the Spanish press and Real Madrid fans, the delirious 950 Welshmen in one corner of the Sammy Ofer Stadium wouldn't swap him for the world.

WHO ELSE IMPRESSED?

Aaron Ramsey once he got going after the break, Neil Taylor and Ben Davies did well as part of a wing-back system but Joe Allen was superb in the centre of the park.

He read the game brilliantly, broke up countless Israel attacks, got Wales playing, made the space to keep the ball moving and wasn't afraid to add some attacking verve too. The little man is becoming such a big, big player for Wales and
WHAT ABOUT THE MANAGER?

It's a long way from Skopje when, after that passport mishap, he suffered some calls for his head and saw a debate over his future and a decision to give him a new contract for this campaign played out in public.

There were banners backing the former Fulham man here and his name was sung from the corner of this venue that is forever Welsh. He made a brave call with his formation, seeking some fluidity by making the most of Neil Taylor and Ben Davies' versatility, and clearly got his tactical messages through to his players despite the huge excitement and noise around the game.

Wales mixed it well, using longer balls when needed but also playing some zippy triangles and patient possession to take away Israel's hope.

WHERE DOES IT LEAVE THE GROUP?

In a very good state as far as Wales are concerned and looking towards one of the biggest home games in recent memory as Belgium come to Cardiff in June. Unbeaten in five – the best in a campaign since 1976 – conceding just two along the way and clear at the top of the group, it's in Wales' hands. Belgium, Andorra and Israel at home await with away games in Cyprus and Bosnia.

It's not done yet – and we've had hopes dashed enough times in the past – but it's all there for the class of 2015.
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' Israel v Wales The Debrief'

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Re: ' Israel v Wales The Debrief'

Postby ThomasC » Sun Mar 29, 2015 9:26 am

3 youth academy graduates from Cardiff City :ayatollah: :ayatollah:

Ramsey :ayatollah: :ayatollah: Ledley :ayatollah: :ayatollah: Gunter :ayatollah: :ayatollah:

Bring Gunter back! That would of been easily achievable before cost cutting.

Ledley wasn't good enough according to some on here, still sore about his departure :?

Where are the new graduates showing international class? None have broken through in a long time.

Feel sorry for John who has been miss-managed by the club. This was his breakthrough season, but Malky through him to the wolves having to mark PL wingers in his debut season :?
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Re: ' Israel v Wales The Debrief'

Postby k00lworld » Sun Mar 29, 2015 3:48 pm

What about Ginge?
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Re: ' Israel v Wales The Debrief'

Postby ThomasC » Sun Mar 29, 2015 3:57 pm

k00lworld wrote:What about Ginge?


Yes realised that after posting :ayatollah: :ayatollah: 4 academy graduates in the starting 11 is class
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