Wales delivered their most impressive performance of the World Cup qualifying campaign, thrashing North Macedonia 7-0 at Cardiff City Stadium to guarantee a home semi-final in next year's playoffs. The emphatic victory, spearheaded by Harry Wilson's magnificent hat-trick, ensures Craig Bellamy's team will host their crucial playoff match in March.
Captain Wilson Leads by Example
In his first match as Wales captain, Harry Wilson produced a career-defining performance, scoring three goals and orchestrating play from midfield. The Fulham playmaker, standing in for injured regulars Ben Davies and Aaron Ramsey, embraced the leadership role with a display that left the North Macedonian defence bewildered throughout the evening.
Wilson opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 20 minutes when David Brooks was brought down in the area. The Welsh captain made no mistake, driving the ball low into the bottom corner past Stole Dimitrievski.
Welsh Dominance From Start to Finish
Wales established control from the opening whistle, with Brennan Johnson and Dan James causing constant problems for the visitors' defence. The second goal arrived just three minutes after Wilson's opener, when Brooks finished expertly after excellent work from Johnson down the left flank.
North Macedonia briefly threatened a comeback when Bojan Miovski capitalised on a Karl Darlow slip to reduce the deficit, but Wales responded immediately. Johnson restored the two-goal advantage before half-time with a spectacular individual effort, exploding past three defenders before firing into the top corner.
Flowing Football Seals Comprehensive Victory
The second half saw Wales continue their dominance with a display of attacking football that delighted the home supporters. The fourth goal came from a beautiful flowing team move involving multiple players, finished clinically by Dan James after Wilson's clever back-heel.
Wilson completed his personal triumph with two more goals - first a beautifully struck free-kick from 25 yards, then a penalty to complete his hat-trick after being fouled in the area. Substitute Nathan Broadhead added a seventh in the dying moments, tapping in from close range after Isaak Davies' header.
The victory means Wales will host their World Cup playoff semi-final in Cardiff next March, giving them a significant advantage as they continue their quest to reach the 2026 tournament. On this evidence, any potential opponents will approach the visit to Wales with considerable apprehension.
