GIGGSY’S ED ACHE
Wales crash but boss still impressed by Bale and Co
WALES found to their cost that if Luis Suarez doesn’t get you, then Edinson Cavani will.
Ryan Giggs’ side gave it everything to lift the China Cup but were undone by Cavani’s second-half strike for Uruguay.
The Paris St-Germain striker condemned Giggs (below) to a first defeat as Wales boss.
However, the ex-Manchester United winger is encouraged with what he has seen from his team in the Far East.
Giggs said: “I’ve seen enough from the players for them to qualify for tournaments.
“I’m really happy with the squad and I’m really pleased with the depth.
“You look at Uruguay and they have a lot of quality and depth. Perhaps we haven’t got that as much as other teams but I’m really happy with a lot of players from this tour.
“It’s not only the games but what they’ve shown in training and we’ve got a lot of quality that’s been left at home.
“I knew beforehand we had a great team spirit, but witnessing it was brilliant.
“We won’t play against much better teams than Uruguay in terms of experience and talent.”
Wales had their best moments before the break but they were given two let-offs by Suarez, who had an off night in front of goal. An entertaining first period saw both sides have a series of chances and the threat of Barcelona forward Suarez was immediate. Joe Allen surrendered possession and Wales were all at sea inside two minutes as Suarez looked certain to score but his strike hit the post. But when the dust settles on this game, Wales know they need to take the opportunities presented to them if they are to win at the highest level. Sam Vokes and Andy King spurned good scoring openings and star man Gareth Bale also went close. But Uruguay are certainly no China, who were demolished 6-0 on Thursday. The South Americans posed the bigger threat and Suarez again hit the post, when it looked easier to score, after seizing on Ashley Williams’ under hit backpass to round keeper Wayne Hennessey.
After the break, Uruguay finally made Giggs’ men pay with a deserved 49thminute opener.
The outstanding Cristian Rodriguez drove down the left and delivered a cross which gave Cavani the simplest of finishes.
Although Bale saw a free-kick deflected over and sub Lee Evans threatened, an equaliser never really looked likely against the canny Uruguayans. WALES (4-3-3): Hennessey; Gunter (Matthews 79), Chester (Lockyer 75), Williams, Davies (Hedges 90); Allen, King, John (Roberts 60); Wilson (Evans 72), Bale, Vokes (Bodin 67). Subs: Maxwell, Crowe, Bradshaw, Watkins, Mepham, Woodburn.