Giggs enjoys memorable homecoming
cardiff — Wales manager Ryan Giggs enjoyed a memorable first home match in charge as they thrashed Ireland 4-1 in the inaugural UEFA Nations League at a rocking Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday.
Wales had not beaten Ireland for 26 years, never in a competitive fixture and had scored only twice in their last seven meetings but they all but ended that jinx during a spectacular opening 45 minutes in which Tom Lawrence and Aaron Ramsey scored either side of a classic Gareth Bale strike.
Connor Roberts made it 4-0 soon after the break and even Ireland’s consolation scored by Shaun Williams was drowned out by a chorus of Welsh anthems echoing around the stadium.
In Giggs’s first two matches in charge, resurgent Wales have scored 10 times after he began his reign with a 6-0 victory in a friendly in China.
Wales, who are in League B in the new competition which largely replaces friendlies and offers a potential route to the Euro 2020 finals, will face a sterner test on Sunday when they face Denmark away in Group B4.
But they will go there in high spirits with Giggs having quickly put his dynamic stamp on a side blending experience with exciting young talents such as Chelsea centre back Ethan Ampadu.
“The lads were magnificent, some brilliant goals and great football. I can’t be much happier,” Giggs, who played 64 times for Wales, told Sky Sports.
“It’s been intense as you don’t get much time on the grass — some of them were playing on Sunday.” —