Wales scored seven goals in a single match for the first time in nearly 50 years as they thrashed North Macedonia 7-1 to secure a favourable draw for the World Cup play-offs.
With dreams of automatic qualification for this summer’s tournament all but over, Craig Bellamy’s side needed to produce a positive result to secure a first leg home tie for the play-offs in March.
Captain Harry Wilson opened the scoring from the spot after midfielder David Brooks was fouled in the area.
Brooks got himself on the scoresheet just three minutes later after tucking home a first-time finish after a cross from Tottenham’s Brennan Johnson.
Captain Harry Wilson opened the scoring from the penalty spot
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North Macedonia hit back through Rangers striker Bojan Miovski after a defensive slip-up, but Johnson restored the two-goal lead by unleashing a powerful effort from 20 yards into the top corner.
The Balkan nation, who have been renowned for their defensive prowess during the qualifying campaign, fell further behind after Wilson pulled off an audacious back-heel to set up Leeds winger Daniel James.
Wilson hammered in a fine free-kick from 25 yards before becoming the first Welshman to bag a hat-trick since Gareth Bale by scoring his second spot-kick of the night.
Two minutes from time, Wrexham striker Nathan Broadhead capped off a near-perfect night for the hosts at the Cardiff City Stadium after tapping in from a flick-on by debutant Isaak Davies.
Johnson restored the two-goal lead by unleashing a powerful effort from 20 yards
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After what is largely being regarded as the best display of his tenure, Bellamy hailed it “as close to the perfect performance as I have seen. That was incredible”.
Wales came into the night knowing their fate in the World Cup play-offs was effectively sealed.
The Dragons would have needed a Liechtenstein to pull off a miracle against Belgium to still be in with a chance of automatic qualification.
However, the resounding result, coupled with a favourable home tie in their play-off campaign, will leave Craig Bellamy full of confidence ahead of March’s fixture.
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Bellamy said the display was ‘as close to the perfect performance as I have seen’
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The Wales manager said he would use Scotland’s stunning qualification as inspiration.
Bellamy said: “Big congratulations to Scotland. I love seeing the Home Nations do well, I really do.
“That’s given us more incentive. I want to join them, so hopefully we can do that.”
Success in the World Cup play-offs is not unprecedented for the Dragons.
In 2022, Wales were drawn to Austria in the qualification play-off semi-finals.
Two months later, they edged Ukraine 1-0 at the Cardiff City Stadium to end a 64-year wait for World Cup qualification.
However, the Dragons produced a disappointed display in Qatar, finishing rock bottom of their group with just one point.
Wales will discover their opponents for the play-offs on Thursday.
