Gareth Bale's 82nd minute winner for Wales yesterday was a fairly big deal. As Irish fans know, heading to Cyprus isn't always as easy as it seems on paper and Wales found that out. However they got the 1-0 win that mattered and now they look almost certain to qualify for their first major championship appearance since 1958.
That may sound incredible but given that they are officially the ninth best team in the world, it's only to be expected that they make it through to the European Championships. That status that Wales have gained in world football was put into perspective this week when they climbed above England in the world rankings.
That, combined with the win last night, have left Wales in an enviable position in world football. Everyone wants to know why they are where they are and how they have done it.
Take for example this delightful conversation between BBC producer Tim Walklate and Welsh comedian Elis James. Radio 4 wanted to get James on to have a chat about Welsh football on their World Tonight programme but there was a bit of a problem.
World Tonight, doesn't go out until 10 pm and Wales were playing Cyprus around that time.
@Walklate88 I will be shitfaced unfortunately
— Elis James (@elisjames) September 3, 2015
We've never been quite so envious. With one gloriously short sentence, James summed up the dream for all Irish football fans. On one hand you have the English looking to talk about why you're know better than them. On the other you have the neck to tell them to feck off in not so many words. And on the third hand you have the confidence that you'll be celebrating the fact that you're going to beat Cyprus.
I have never, ever, ever, EVER been positive about Wales. I was damaged. But we're going to do it. We're going to qualify. Cyprus 0 Wales 1
— Elis James (@elisjames) September 3, 2015
Imagine that. Imagine having the confidence that you knew you would go away to Cyprus and get the win needed to put you in the driving seat for major championship qualification. Heady days for Welsh football.
And sure here's some of his comedy just for the fun of it.
