An attacking masterclass from Wales
Wales 7 - 1 North Macedonia
A Harry Wilson hat-trick propelled Wales to a resounding win over North Macedonia, capping their World Cup qualifying group with a display as fluent as it was ruthless.
Automatic qualification had already slipped from their grasp, but a more inviting play-off draw remained on offer. Craig Bellamy’s side rose to the occasion with their most complete performance under the head coach.
Wilson, wearing the armband for the evening, opened the scoring from the spot after David Brooks was brought down. Moments later, Brooks added a composed first-time finish from Brennan Johnson’s cross.
Wales briefly wavered when a defensive lapse allowed Bojan Miovski to pounce for the visitors, but Johnson quickly reasserted control with a fierce 20-yard strike that glanced off a defender on its way into the top corner.
In just 19 first-half minutes, North Macedonia conceded as many goals as they had across their previous seven qualifiers. Their problems deepened after the break with the goal of the night, a sweeping sequence finished by Daniel James after a clever exchange between Johnson and Wilson.
"A glimpse of Bellamy’s expansive vision..."
That James goal captured the essence of Wales’ performance, a glimpse of Bellamy’s expansive vision coming to life when it mattered most.
Wilson then bent a superb free-kick into the corner before tucking away a second penalty to become the first Wales player to register a hat-trick since Gareth Bale four years ago.
The night still had room for more. Nathan Broadhead turned in from Isaak Davies’ deft flick to make it seven, the first time Wales had scored that many in a single match for 47 years, sparking jubilant celebrations around Cardiff City Stadium.
The bigger tests lie ahead, with two play-off victories still needed to reach next year’s World Cup. Yet having taken the same route to Qatar in 2022, this commanding display offers plenty of encouragement as Wales chase only their third finals appearance in their history.
