Wales’ boss John Toshack returned home from Azerbaijan insisting his young squad have restored faith in Welsh football.
A long list of injuries meant Toshack travelled to Baku with the youngest ever Wales squad, made up largely of a raw bunch of Under 21 rookies, but his side produced a spirited display to win 1-0 on Saturday, courtesy of a first half goal from
Dave Edwards.
There were ten senior players missing from the party, but Toshack’s youngsters showed great courage and composure in what was a hugely intimidating atmosphere to play in.
“The lads gave us everything. It was the end of a long season for them but you cannot fault their effort,” said Toshack.
“By the end they were too tired to even get over the half way line, their legs had completely gone. Under the circumstances, the long distance to get here, the heat and the four-hour difference, it was a very encouraging display.
“Overall the team did exceptionally well. We defended well and it was the right result. Just look at who we had missing and the problems we had coming into the game through injuries.
“More experienced sides than ours have had problems coming to Baku, we have to be satisfied with a win like that.”
Defeats against Finland, Russia and Germany have ended Wales’ hopes of reaching the World Cup finals, but Toshack believes the future looks bright with the emergence of players like
Aaron Ramsey,
Jack Collison,
Joe Ledley,
Ashley Williams,
Wayne Hennessey and Edwards.
Toshack added: “Now we have three games left and we have to look to try and take third place in the group.”
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