Ramsey takes Welsh to Europe

– Ryan Giggs hailed Wales’ qualification for Euro 2020 as one of the best days of his life after Aaron Ramsey’s double beat Hungary 2-0 in Cardiff.

The Juventus midfielder, above, was making his first start of the qualifying campaign due to a series of injuries and showed what Wales had missed by scoring early in each half.

Victory means Giggs, who has never had the chance to represent his country at a major international tournament during a decorated playing career, can look forward to leading his side to the European championships next summer.

“It doesn’t get any better,” said Giggs, who won 25 major trophies as a Manchester United player. “It’s one of the best days of my life.”

Wales reached the semifinals of the European championships in 2016 and while matching that run next year will be a huge ask, there was a glimmer of what they are capable of, with Ramsey restored alongside Gareth Bale.

Giggs’ two star men combined brilliantly for the opener after 15 min as Ramsey headed home Bale’s inch-perfect cross from the right.

“I missed a lot of this campaign but it was all worthwhile to chip in with a couple of goals tonight,” Ramsey told Sky Sports. “We had the time of our lives in France [at Euro 2016]. We inspired a nation so we wanted to do it again.”

Wales still needed a moment of magic at the other end of the field as an incredible double save from Wayne Hennessey denied Dominik Szoboszlai and Roland Sallai an equaliser as Hungary threatened before the break.

However, there was no way back for the visitors once Ramsey controlled Kieffer Moore’s knockdown to smash home from close range 2 min into the second half.

“He’s a world-class player,” said Bale on Ramsey’s contribution. “It’s great to have him back and he showed tonight what a great player he is.”

Roared on by a vociferous home support, Wales rarely looked troubled as they produced arguably their best performance since Giggs took charge two years ago at the best possible time.

He praised the response of his squad to end the campaign on a five-game unbeaten run to reach the Euros for just the second time in Welsh history.

“From where we were in the summer, all credit to the lads for coming back,” added Giggs. “This side can do a lot more. There is quality in the squad, not just the 11. Every player has shown their class.” –

Cardiff