Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Wales wished the best of ruck
WALES were given a send-off by the country’s rugby union team before taking off for Qatar yesterday.
Schoolchildren also turned up in Cardiff to wish captain Gareth Bale, 33, and his side well.
They arrived in Doha last night ahead of their first training session today.
Defender Neco
Williams said it was a
“great feeling” to know that they had the support of an entire nation.
He said: “In 2016, I used to go to the pub with my dad to watch the games. It was always good when Wales played. Back then all your mates, your dads’ mates all supported different teams.
“But when Wales played, they all supported the same team, celebrating together. That’s what I used to love. Playing and knowing that back home it’s the same is a great feeling.”
He added: “For me, growing up, watching Bale and Ramsey used to bring out these special moments. They’re moments that make you fall in love with the team and football.
“We haven’t been at a World Cup in 64 years. To be part of it is a crazy feeling. My family and friends are so proud of me. It’s a special feeling.” Welsh leaders defended the national side’s controversial trip to Qatar.
Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said it was a chance to show Wales “is a distinct nation” and to “project our values”. He and First Minister Mark Drakeford will each attend a group game. Labour MP Chris Bryant and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey believe the Welsh government should not be going.
Qatar has been criticised over its human rights record – including for its treatment of women, LGBTQ+ people and migrant workers.
Wales are at their first World Cup since 1958, when Jimmy Murphy’s side reached the quarter-finals.