This article was supposed to be a backhanded compliment to the Welsh.
It was supposed to be taking a swipe at them – ah, they’re not much for the ol’ football but look how great their fans are. Sure that’s something. Fair play to them. That sort of deliberately patronising stuff.
Then Ireland went out during the first 45 minutes in Cardiff and didn’t even try to play ball. The home side bossed the Republic around the Cardiff City Stadium and their fans were roaring in behind them every step of the way.
We like to think we have some of the best supporters in the world and, listen, the travelling Irish were making plenty of noise of their own on Monday night – even those in horse costumes…
Low lie the fields of Athenry pic.twitter.com/z3sdfn3w1Z
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) October 9, 2017
But very few nations have belted out national anthems like the Welsh did ahead of their World Cup qualifier with Ireland.
In a game that both countries were heading into with three points needed to secure a playoff spot if not book their place in Russia, the home crowd let out a rip-roaring rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.
The thing was sang aloud with such excitement, such pride and mighty majesty that it was almost as good and as frightening as the Chile anthem at the Copa America final. Almost.
It really was something else in fairness to them.
Amazing what can happen when you don't pipe in music or drown out a crowd pic.twitter.com/VlbgOQc0iX
— Dion Fanning (@dionfanning) October 9, 2017
So, that Welsh anthem was impressive. We will post once in Welsh, in their honour #RTEsoccer #WALIRLhttps://t.co/x4MB8noZgN pic.twitter.com/0PscN08qYV
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) October 9, 2017
They won’t give a crap how loud and passionate they are though if they aren’t going to the World Cup.
