Image Credit: 90Min
By Lee Clow
19 November 2019 | UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifiers
Wales secured their place at Euro 2020 as Aaron Ramsey scored two in a 2-0 victory over Hungary at the Cardiff City Stadium.
After losing 1-0 in Budapest in June, hopes of automatic qualification looked slim for Wales but an unbeaten four-game run, ending with this win, gave Ryan Giggs’ side a place at the Championships.
Going into the game, Giggs elected to start both star men Gareth Bale and Ramsey despite injury concerns but this soon proved pivotal as the pair combined on 15 minutes. Down the right flank, Bale cut inside and whipped in a beautiful cross towards Ramsey who nodded in the opener sending the home fans into raptures.
With the early opener Wales continued to dominate and carried a huge attacking threat through the foursome of Bale, Ramset, Daniel James and Kiefer Moore. Moore had a chance to double Wales lead from another Bale cross, but his header just fell wide of the goal.
On 33 minutes, Hungary almost found a leveller out of nothing. Dominik Szoboszlai found himself through and unleashed a strike on goal, but it was saved brilliantly low down by Wayne Hennessey who seconds later blocked away the rebound from Rolan Sallai. Huge cheers filled the ground as Hennessey held on tightly to the rebound having saved his team from conceding an equaliser.
The remainder of the first half was dominated by Wales who looked like they would score a vital second, but Hungary’s defence stayed strong keeping the deficit at one.
In the second half, Wales regained control of the match and it only took two minutes to find their second. Following a free kick, Moore flicked the ball into the path of Ramsey who stayed onside and curled his effort into the back of the net to send the crowd into meltdown. Having not started for Wales in over a year, Ramsey certainly returned to form with his two goals.
With a comfortable two goal cushion, Wales started to enjoy themselves as Hungary lacked any response. Ramsey came close to scoring his hattrick, but he was denied by a block by goalkeeper, Peter Gulacsi.
Gareth Bale had a chance to stamp his input on the game when Wales won a free kick on the edge of the box, but his effort just went wide of the post.
Down the other end of the pitch, there were little problems for Wales as they strolled to victory securing qualification for Euro 2020. As the full-time whistle blew, the crowd erupted and the players started celebrating having reached their third major tournament.
Wales manager, Ryan Giggs in huge delight spoke after the game about the result, he said: "It doesn't get any better than that. Credit to the lads, coming back from where we were in the summer after two defeats. We showed grit, determination and quality. It's one of the best days of my life.”
"We defended really well but we can play better. Overall, two goals and a clean sheet and they didn't really trouble us apart from the save from Wayne Hennessey in the first half.”
"This side can do a lot more. There is quality in the squad, not just the XI. Every player has shown their class, some of the lads were on their last legs at the end there.”
"To be honest I haven't really thought about what it means personally - there's been a lot of hard work put in and I am blessed with the best staff I could ask for."
What’s next?
The draw for the Euro 2020 finals takes place on November 30 in Bucharest, Romania.
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