“Disappointing”: Wales’s poor Qatar 2022 World Cup showing through the eyes of the fans
Cymru’s sixty-four-year wait to grace the world’s biggest sporting stage came to an end as they travelled to Qatar for their second-ever World Cup.
However, their campaign was cut shorter than expected, finishing bottom of Group B, following defeats from Iran and neighbours England.
Only scoring one goal – a penalty against the United States in the opening game – meant there weren’t many golden moments to reflect on for the Welsh faithful.
Welshman Victor supported from home but is very open with how the tournament went for ‘Y Wal Goch’ out in the desert.
“It was disappointing, particularly the USA and Iran games. Though we can’t be too upset as we’re a small nation and even getting to the World Cup is an achievement in itself.
“I think the set-up for the first two games was far too defensive and passive against teams we could’ve beaten.
“If we changed things up in midfield for the Iran game and change the shape so Moore and Bale had better support, I reckon we could’ve gone further.”
The last few years have seen the Home Nation go from being seen as a country that holds rugby as its main sport, to the success of qualifying for three tournaments out of the last four has seen the interest in football rise across Wales.
“I am still proud of this team. Though disappointing, its still the team’s first World Cup in sixty-four years and the 2016 Euros run is one of my favourite sporting memories.
“However, I no longer have faith in Rob Page.”
Page has overseen qualification for two major tournaments, making him statistically the most successful Wales manager, but the feeling of lost hope seems to be mutual around the country, after relegation from League A in the UEFA Nations League and the underwhelming display this winter in Qatar.