Wales Thrash North Macedonia 7-1 to Secure Home Play-Off Advantage
A commanding attacking display, led by a hat-trick from captain Harry Wilson, propelled Wales to a decisive 7-1 victory over North Macedonia on Tuesday. The win at the Cardiff City Stadium ensures Wales will have home advantage in the upcoming World Cup qualification play-off round.
Needing a victory to finish second in Group J, Craig Bellamy’s team delivered a ruthless performance, overwhelming a North Macedonian side that had already secured a play-off spot via the UEFA Nations League.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Wales established their dominance early, aware of the importance of a positive result. Their bright start was rewarded with two quick goals inside the first 20 minutes.
Captain Harry Wilson, leading the side for the first time, calmly converted a penalty after David Brooks was brought down in the area. Brooks then turned scorer, arriving at the near post to guide a precise cutback from Brennan Johnson into the net.
Instant Reply and Swift Restoration
North Macedonia pulled a goal back almost immediately in fortunate circumstances. Welsh goalkeeper Karl Darlow lost his footing as Bojan Miovski advanced, leaving the striker with an open goal.
The Welsh response was swift and spectacular. Brennan Johnson cut inside from the right touchline and unleashed a powerful, rising shot from 18 yards that flew into the net, restoring the two-goal cushion before half-time.
Second-Half Dominance and a Captain’s Treble
Wales continued to control the match after the break, their quick-paced attacks causing constant problems. The pressure told as they added a fourth goal, with Wilson and Brooks combining neatly before Liam Cullen finished from close range.
The captain then took center stage. Wilson first curled a superb free-kick into the net with 15 minutes remaining and later completed his hat-trick by converting a second penalty of the evening. Substitute Nathan Broadhead added a seventh goal in the dying moments to complete the rout.
The victory secures a home play-off match for Wales as they continue their quest to reach the World Cup. For North Macedonia, the heavy defeat marks an abrupt end to their previously unbeaten away record in the qualifiers, leaving them with a setback to address before the play-offs in March.