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"contents": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fans were hoping for Wales to turn up at the Qatar 2022 World Cup in high spirits after an agonising 64-year wait, but the team stumbled at the first hurdle as the ageing “Golden Generation” of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey failed to deliver.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the opening 1-1 draw with the US, Bale proved why he is Wales’ most trustworthy player after he won and converted a late penalty, but that was all he could offer in what was an underwhelming campaign for the Welsh in Qatar.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Against Iran, the 33-year-old was dispossessed several times and had one shot on target as Wales suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat which left them hoping for a miracle against rivals England in the so-called “Battle of Britain”.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bale, Wales’ most-capped player, was anonymous in attack against England in the first half and was substituted at the break due to a hamstring issue, before Wales limped to a 3-0 defeat, finishing bottom of Group B with one point and one goal.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1478140\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1245211858.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"488\" /> Connor Roberts of Wales and Marcus Rashford of England in action in Doha on Tuesday. (Photo: Richard Sellers / Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1478141\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1245214644.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"488\" /> Callum Wilson of England on the ball against Wales. (Photo: Richard Sellers / Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regardless of his form at club level before a major international tournament, Bale usually delivers when he puts on the Wales shirt. However, it was not the case this time as questions were raised about his form and fitness.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coming into the World Cup, the Los Angeles FC forward had played only 36 minutes of competitive football since September. At the World Cup, he had to play three matches within eight days and he struggled.</span>\r\n\r\n<i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read in </span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daily Maverick</span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: “</span></i><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-11-25-ronaldo-relishes-beautiful-moment-with-new-world-cup-record/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ronaldo relishes ‘beautiful moment’ after breaking World Cup record</span></i></a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">”</span></i>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While Bale looked like a spent force, Ramsey was no different – floundering in midfield as he gave the ball away more times than any other player against Iran and lost all but one of his eight duels.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ramsey started only five of his 12 French Ligue 1 games for Nice this season before making the trip to Qatar.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1478142\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1245214962.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"478\" /> Jude Bellingham of England celebrates victory over Wales. (Photo: Richard Sellers / Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“That’s the problem we always have, asking players who are not playing for their clubs to come and give performance after performance,” Wales head coach Rob Page said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ramsey, who turns 32 next month, and Bale have long carried the national team on their shoulders, but they crumbled under the weight of expectation in Qatar.</span>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Visit <a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=in_article_link&utm_campaign=homepage\"><em>Daily Maverick's</em> home page</a> for more news, analysis and investigations</strong>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apart from Bale and Ramsey, 32-year-old midfielder Joe Allen also had a disappointing cameo. Though that was expected considering he was making a return after two months out following a hamstring injury, and that his best years are behind him.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey (35) was guilty of a rash error in the second game that allowed the Iranians to get into the contest as he was sent off.</span>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1478143\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1245215378-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"490\" /> Jack Grealish of England is challenged by Wales' Rubin Colwill. (Photo: Richard Sellers. /Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1478145\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1245216450.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> Phil Foden celebrates an England goal against Wales. (Photo: Richard Sellers / Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1478146\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1245217889.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"479\" /> England's Jack Grealish tussles with Brennan Johnson of Wales. (Photo: Richard Sellers / Getty Images)</p>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The absence of a player who could rise to the challenge hurt Wales, who made the World Cup via the playoffs by overcoming Austria and Ukraine to reach the global showpiece tournament for the first time since 1958.</span>\r\n\r\n<i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read in </span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daily Maverick</span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: “</span></i><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-11-29-ghanas-black-stars-shine-in-qatar-against-all-odds/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ghana’s Black Stars shine in Qatar – against all odds</span></i></a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">”</span></i>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perhaps the time is up for the Welsh golden era, with Bale’s career winding to a close in Major League Soccer and doubts over Ramsey’s ability to deliver big performances. Though Bale says he will play for Wales for as long as he’s wanted.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having played below their standards in this edition, Wales will hope they do not have to wait another 64 years to return to the World Cup. </span><b>Reuters/DM</b>",
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"name": " Jack Grealish of England and Brennan Johnson of Wales during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between Wales and England at Al Janoub Stadium on November 29, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Getty Images)",
"description": "<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fans were hoping for Wales to turn up at the Qatar 2022 World Cup in high spirits after an agonising 64-year wait, but the team stumbled at the first hurdle as the ageing “Golden Generation” of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey failed to deliver.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the opening 1-1 draw with the US, Bale proved why he is Wales’ most trustworthy player after he won and converted a late penalty, but that was all he could offer in what was an underwhelming campaign for the Welsh in Qatar.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Against Iran, the 33-year-old was dispossessed several times and had one shot on target as Wales suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat which left them hoping for a miracle against rivals England in the so-called “Battle of Britain”.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bale, Wales’ most-capped player, was anonymous in attack against England in the first half and was substituted at the break due to a hamstring issue, before Wales limped to a 3-0 defeat, finishing bottom of Group B with one point and one goal.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1478140\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1478140\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1245211858.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"488\" /> Connor Roberts of Wales and Marcus Rashford of England in action in Doha on Tuesday. (Photo: Richard Sellers / Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1478141\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1478141\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1245214644.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"488\" /> Callum Wilson of England on the ball against Wales. (Photo: Richard Sellers / Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regardless of his form at club level before a major international tournament, Bale usually delivers when he puts on the Wales shirt. However, it was not the case this time as questions were raised about his form and fitness.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coming into the World Cup, the Los Angeles FC forward had played only 36 minutes of competitive football since September. At the World Cup, he had to play three matches within eight days and he struggled.</span>\r\n\r\n<i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read in </span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daily Maverick</span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: “</span></i><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-11-25-ronaldo-relishes-beautiful-moment-with-new-world-cup-record/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ronaldo relishes ‘beautiful moment’ after breaking World Cup record</span></i></a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">”</span></i>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While Bale looked like a spent force, Ramsey was no different – floundering in midfield as he gave the ball away more times than any other player against Iran and lost all but one of his eight duels.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ramsey started only five of his 12 French Ligue 1 games for Nice this season before making the trip to Qatar.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1478142\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1478142\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1245214962.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"478\" /> Jude Bellingham of England celebrates victory over Wales. (Photo: Richard Sellers / Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“That’s the problem we always have, asking players who are not playing for their clubs to come and give performance after performance,” Wales head coach Rob Page said.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ramsey, who turns 32 next month, and Bale have long carried the national team on their shoulders, but they crumbled under the weight of expectation in Qatar.</span>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<strong>Visit <a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za?utm_source=direct&utm_medium=in_article_link&utm_campaign=homepage\"><em>Daily Maverick's</em> home page</a> for more news, analysis and investigations</strong>\r\n\r\n<hr />\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apart from Bale and Ramsey, 32-year-old midfielder Joe Allen also had a disappointing cameo. Though that was expected considering he was making a return after two months out following a hamstring injury, and that his best years are behind him.</span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey (35) was guilty of a rash error in the second game that allowed the Iranians to get into the contest as he was sent off.</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1478143\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1478143\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1245215378-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"490\" /> Jack Grealish of England is challenged by Wales' Rubin Colwill. (Photo: Richard Sellers. /Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1478145\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1478145\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1245216450.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" /> Phil Foden celebrates an England goal against Wales. (Photo: Richard Sellers / Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1478146\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"720\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-1478146\" src=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/GettyImages-1245217889.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"720\" height=\"479\" /> England's Jack Grealish tussles with Brennan Johnson of Wales. (Photo: Richard Sellers / Getty Images)[/caption]\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The absence of a player who could rise to the challenge hurt Wales, who made the World Cup via the playoffs by overcoming Austria and Ukraine to reach the global showpiece tournament for the first time since 1958.</span>\r\n\r\n<i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read in </span></i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daily Maverick</span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: “</span></i><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-11-29-ghanas-black-stars-shine-in-qatar-against-all-odds/\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ghana’s Black Stars shine in Qatar – against all odds</span></i></a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">”</span></i>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perhaps the time is up for the Welsh golden era, with Bale’s career winding to a close in Major League Soccer and doubts over Ramsey’s ability to deliver big performances. 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Connor Roberts of Wales and Marcus Rashford of England in action in Doha on Tuesday. (Photo: Richard Sellers / Getty Images)
Callum Wilson of England on the ball against Wales. (Photo: Richard Sellers / Getty Images)
Jude Bellingham of England celebrates victory over Wales. (Photo: Richard Sellers / Getty Images)
Jack Grealish of England is challenged by Wales' Rubin Colwill. (Photo: Richard Sellers. /Getty Images)
Phil Foden celebrates an England goal against Wales. (Photo: Richard Sellers / Getty Images)
England's Jack Grealish tussles with Brennan Johnson of Wales. (Photo: Richard Sellers / Getty Images)