Watch: The incredible anthem as Wales returned to the World Cup after 64 years
Wales’ fans were in good voice as the Welsh national anthem was sung at a World Cup for the first time.
Despite only around Wales 3,000 fans being in the stadium, they filled the Al Rayyan Stadium with the sound of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau.
At the 1958 World Cup, Wales sang God Save the Queen rather than their own anthem.
Wales marked their return to the World Cup after a 64-year hiatus by taking on the United States in their first Group B match.
Well that was special 🏴pic.twitter.com/9yP8h30Svu
— Welsh Fan Zone TV 🏴 (@WelshFanZoneTV) November 21, 2022
Even the US’ supporters were appreciative of the anthem, with Athletic journalist Sam Stejskal who posted the footage saying “Sport is a gift”.
The ‘Soccer Support’ Twitter account responded saying: “They absolutely destroyed the passion battle. They look a lot more emotionally ready to play.”
Crikey, the Welsh can bang out an anthem. Goosebumps.
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) November 21, 2022
Wales showed only two changes from the play-off final winning side in June.
Joe Allen and Kieffer Moore were absentees from the side that had started the 1-0 victory against Ukraine.
Swansea midfielder Allen had failed to recover from hamstring damage sustained in September, leading to Ethan Ampadu being pushed forward from his defensive station.
Chris Mepham moved into a three-man central defence as Harry Wilson replaced Moore.
Skipper Gareth Bale made his 109th appearance to move level with Chris Gunter, who was among the substitutes, as Wales’ most capped men’s player.
USA injury doubts Weston McKennie and Sergino Dest were both passed fit to start.
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Players unable to live up to it however! I’ve had an unwelcome funny feeling it may come to this all week.
They’ve just levelled. Usually one win and a draw will get you out of the group stages I am told. Don’t think anyone is beating England.
Still furious about the thing, but since everyone must endure playing in this repressive shthole, we may as well go as far as possible
Indeed, so glad they proved me wrong. Fair play to them. They looked a completely different side second half. And I’m glad they Showed some fight.
Brilliant rendition by the fans. Well done to them!
I am not a fan of any country that use slaves but 50 % of the countries of the world has no law against it. Perhaps we should catch the slave traders in our own country..and put pressure on the UN ? The HMRC people know who they are but do not do enough. There is a whole , dark industry out there mostly agencies who bend the system. Slavery is not a colour thing…it does not discriminate.