Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey was the only Arsenal player on duty as Wales won 3-0 in Israel. Long-time Arsenal target Ashley Williams was also playing in what was his 50th international appearance. Ramsey was on the score sheet in what was an emphatic win that sent Wales top of their European Championship qualifying group.
In what Wales manager Chris Coleman described as Wales' biggest game since their Euro 2004 play-off defeat to Russia, Wales never looked like they were not going to lose this game. Wales started fairly brightly and created a host of chances. They managed to make the breakthrough in first-half stoppage time as Aaron Ramsey latched onto a Gareth Bale flick to loop a fantastic header home to give Wales a well deserved half-time lead.
Then came the Gareth Bale show in the second half as he scored five minutes into the second half to double the lead for Coleman’s team with a delightful free-kick and then Mission Improbable became Mission Impossible as Israel defender Eitan Tibi was sent off for two quick yellow cards. Then Bale put the Israelis to the sword with a tidy finish that gave Wales their first competitive win against a top 50 ranked team in eight years.
Aaron Ramsey was rightfully praised for his performance in this game for Wales as Ramsey scored what was a fantastic looped header to give Wales the lead and he set up Bale’s second goal with a perfectly weighted ball and that gave Bale the goal on a silver platter. Aaron Ramsey’s all round game was good and he contributed heavily to this game.
Wales’ next game will be a tough fixture against group favourites Belgium on June 12th at Cardiff City Stadium as they continue their bid to qualify for a major tournament for the first time since 1958.