Rampant Ramsey just too hot to handle as Wales cruise past Belarus

Wales emphatically brushed aside the limited challenge of Belarus to set up a mouth-watering clash with Belgium as they chase second spot in their World Cup qualifying group.

Early goals from Aaron Ramsey and Nico Williams set the foundation for Wales as a second from Ramsey and rare goals from Ben Davies and Connor Roberts sealed the vital three points.

The hosts knew that a spot in the play-offs could go down to goal difference as they scored their first of the evening after two minutes of play. After Davies’ volley was saved by Syarhey Chernik, Ramsey was there to pick up the pieces and slot the ball in from close range.

It took almost 20 minutes before Belarus showed up as Nikolay Zolotov blazed his shot high and wide.

This served only as a temporary diversion though as Liverpool’s Nico Williams embarrassed Chernik to put double the hosts’ lead moments later.

For once, Wales were able to call on all of their big names, with only the suspended Kieffer Moore missing out. Ramsey, Dan James, Gareth Bale and others simply proved too much for the visitors in a vibrant first half display.

Wales were even able to rest talisman Bale on the night of his 100th appearance as the confidence showed no sign of easing in the second half.

Within three minutes of the restart, a scruffy handball in the box by Ruslan Yudenkov allowed the effervescent Ramsey to sweep home his second of the game from the spot.

Serenaded by a joyous home crowd, the Welsh stars pulled out all their party tricks as their flicks and tricks caused havoc in the Belarus penalty box.

James and Williams proved a constant threat down the left for Wales as the men in red continued to ask questions of their uninspiring guests. Williams sailed a glorious effort over as Wales replaced the hugely impressive Ramsey with Joe Morrell.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies got in on the act with an unlikely and untidy fourth goal for Wales on a night where just about everything went right for them. He even almost poached a second as the one-sided spectacle drew to its conclusion.

The encaustic crowd rose as an image of Gary Speed appeared on the big screen in the 85th minute. Former manager Speed, who won 85 caps, took charge of Wales for the last time on November 12th 2011, just two weeks before his untimely death.

Substitute Artsyom Kantsavy dampened the mood somewhat as he scored a splendid effort in the closing minutes but this night belonged to the Welsh as Connor Roberts flicked home a cheeky fifth goal to seal a hugely impressive win for Robert Page’s men.

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