Bale gets the Giggs show off and running
RYAN GIGGS gave Welsh supporters a mouth-watering glimpse of the future as Gareth Bale helped their new-look side deliver a thrashing to the Republic of Ireland.
Giggs’ side produced a superb exhilarating attacking display on his first home game in charge of Wales after three matches on the road.
They tore into Ireland in Cardiff in a barnstorming start to make good on Giggs’ pledge to deliver attacking football.
Real Madrid star Bale continued his fine start to the season after scoring in all three of their La Liga games so far.
Bale smashed his 30th international goal from outside the box to make it 2-0 after Tom Lawrence struck early on. The hosts made it 3-0 by half-time when Aaron Ramsey joined in the rout with another well-worked goal.
Rookie Connor Roberts also netted after the break through
WALES REP OF IRELAND
a Bale assist before Shaun Williams’ consolation.
But Giggs is set to face a stiffer test on Sunday in Denmark, who reached the last 16 of the World Cup.
Wales had been facing the prospect of opponents including semi-pros and amateur futsal players in the Nations League tie. But the Danish Football Association and their top players yesterday halted their row over disputed commercial rights.
Wales will travel in high spirits after their first win over Ireland since 1992. It endeared Giggs to fans after some criticised his appointment due to his poor record of playing friendlies while at Manchester United.
Yet by the 33rd minute the home support were loudly chanting Giggs’ name and later he responded to give requests for a wave. Giggs looked a natural in charge and so did impressive youngsters Roberts, Ethan Ampadu and David Brooks on their full competitive debuts.
Wales’ bold start quickly paid off in the sixth minute as Lawrence scored from Joe Allen’s pass.
Then Bale controlled a Ben Davies pass, cut inside Ciaran Clark and Stephen Ward and curled an unstoppable left-foot shot into the net.
Ramsey made it three, beating Darren Randolph at his near post again after Ampadu, 17, showed impressive strength and confidence to barge Jonathan Walters off the ball before picking out Ramsey.
Ramsey, Lawrence and Bale all combined to tee up Roberts to lash in a left-foot shot from the top of the box in the 55th minute.
Ireland only pulled a goal back through Williams when Ramsey sloppily lost possession and the Irish sub dinked a finish over Wayne Hennessey.
Wales, minus the injured Bale, lost at home to Ireland last October to miss out on a World Cup play-off spot but this was an emphatic response.
WALES (4-2-3-1): Goals: REP OF IRELAND (4-4-2): Booked: Referee: Goal: